Glossary of Terms in Wuxia, Xianxia &

Xuanhuan Novels
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Table of Contents

Novel Categories......................................................................................3

Cosmology................................................................................................4

Beings & Creatures...................................................................................6

World of Martial Arts.................................................................................8

Martial Arts.............................................................................................10

Cultivation...............................................................................................11

Alchemy..................................................................................................15

Items & Weapons....................................................................................16

Units of Measurement.............................................................................18

Miscellaneous Terms...............................................................................19

Terms of Address....................................................................................36

A. Family.............................................................................................36

B. Martial Family..................................................................................38

C. Miscellaneous.................................................................................40

Chinese Bestiary......................................................................................41

Compiled and arranged by CENT Translation

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Novel Categories

Wuxia (武俠 wǔxiá) – literally means “Martial Heroes”. Fictional stories about regular
humans who can achieve supernatural fighting ability through Chinese martial arts
training and internal energy cultivation. Themes of chivalry, tragedy, revenge &
romance are common.

Xianxia (仙侠 xiānxiá) – literally means “Immortal Heroes”. Fictional stories featuring
magic, demons, ghosts, immortals, and a great deal of Chinese folklore/mythology.
Protagonists (usually) attempt to cultivate to Immortality, seeking eternal life and the
pinnacle of strength. Heavily inspired by Daoism.
▪ Comparison: If Wuxia is “low fantasy”, then Xianxia is “high fantasy”.

Xuanhuan (玄幻 xuánhuàn) – literally means “Mysterious Fantasy”. A broad genre of

fictional stories which remixes Chinese folklore/mythology with foreign elements &
settings.
▪ Xuanhuan and Xianxia novels may sometimes seem similar on the surface.
Look for the presence of Daoist elements (the Dao, Yin and Yang, Immortals,
etc…) in the novel to easily distinguish the two – if they aren’t present, then it’s
probably a Xuanhuan novel.
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Cosmology

The Three Realms (三界 sānjiè) – the universe is divided into the Heaven Realm and
the Earth Realm, with the Mortal Realm in between. The term is ultimately derived
from the Three Realms of Hinduism & Buddhism, but these novels use it to refer to…
▪ The Heavens (天 tiān) – where the Jade Emperor rules at the head of the
Celestial Court. Characters in several novels rebel against the Heavens to
change their fate or to seek vengeance for perceived wrongs. Immortal
cultivation is often (though not always) said to go against the Will of Heaven.
▪ The Mortal Realm (人界 rénjiè) (人间 rénjiān) – also called the human world.
The setting of most of these novels, although some later branch out to explore
the other realms.
▪ The Earth (地 dì) – contains the Underworld (地狱 dìyù) in its depths. The
Underworld is also commonly called the Netherworld (冥界 míngjiè) or the
Yellow Springs (黄泉 huángquán).

Six Paths of Reincarnation (六道轮回 liùdào lúnhuí) – in the cycle of reincarnation, it

is possible to be reborn as either a [1] Deva, [2] Asura, [3] Human, [4] Animal, [5]
Hungry Ghost or [6] a Tormented Being in Hell.
▪ Note: Devas & Asuras are reborn in the Heaven Realm, Humans & Animals
are reborn in the Mortal Realm, and Hungry Ghosts & Hell-beings are reborn
in the Earth Realm.

Karma (业 / 缘 / 因果 / 功德) – cosmic merit or demerit accumulated throughout

one’s life based on one’s deeds. Determines which type of reincarnation (out of the Six
Paths) they will experience in their next life. Some novels expand on this concept and
have Karma affect even the daily lives of the characters or bind certain characters
together through karmic ties/relationships.

Dao (道 dào) – the origin and source of all things. It can be translated in many different
ways, including The Way / Road / Path / Method. According to Daoism, it is the
absolute principle underlying the universe, combining within itself the principles of Yin
and Yang and signifying the way, or code of behavior, that is in harmony with the
natural order. In these novels, characters often try to gain insights into the Dao, which
can give them supernatural powers or even control over aspects of the natural world.

Yin & Yang (阴阳 yīnyáng) – the duality present in all aspects of the universe. For
instance: Yin is Female / Soft / Death / Dark / the Moon, while Yang is Male / Hard /
Life / Light / the Sun – the comparisons are endless. Yin & Yang describe how
opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected, and
interdependent in the natural world, and how they mutually give rise to each other.
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Five Elements (五行 wǔxíng) – Wood (木 mù), Fire (火 huǒ), Earth (土 tǔ), Metal (金
jīn), & Water (水 shuǐ). The fundamental elements which compose everything in the
universe. They have a detailed cyclic relationship, and each of them have several
symbolic meanings. Somewhat analogous to the Western Four Elements.
Qi (气) – the vital energy which exists in all things. The cultivation of Qi is a major
theme in Wuxia, Xianxia & Xuanhuan novels.
▪ Qi is sometimes written as “Ki” or “Chi”. It can be translated in many different
ways, including Breath / Vital Breath / Pneuma / Vital Energy / Spiritual Energy.
(etc…)
▪ Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth (天地之气 tiāndì zhī qì) – the natural
energy of the world.
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Beings & Creatures

Gods (神 shén) – supernatural beings of tremendous power. In Xuanhuan novels, it’s

often possible to attain some form of godhood through cultivation.

Immortals (仙 xiān) – beings who ascended to Immortality through Daoist cultivation

practices. They have magical powers, can fly freely through the air, and have a close
connection to the Dao and the natural world. There are several types of Daoist
Immortals, such as the Celestial Immortals (天仙) and Earth Immortals (地仙).

Saints (圣 shèng) – similar to, but distinct from Immortals. They don’t have a strong
relation to Daoism, and they may not necessarily have eternal life. But other than that,
they typically also have a close connection to the natural world and similar magical
powers achieved through cultivation. Very generally speaking, Saints appear more
often in Xuanhuan novels while Immortals appear more often in Xianxia novels.
▪ Note: Unless explicitly stated otherwise, these are not the Christian Saints.

Magical Beasts (魔兽 móshòu) – animals capable of cultivation. Some are innately
magical and simply grow stronger over time, while others must actively practice a
cultivation method. They tend to be much more intelligent than mundane animals, and
some are capable of speaking in human languages. Magical Beasts which have
reached a high stage of cultivation may even be able to take on a human form.
▪ These Beasts often possess a Core (魔核 / 妖核) within their bodies which
contains their essence and/or cultivation base. Cultivators highly prize them.
The Cores are generally either consumed by cultivators (to grow stronger) or
used in the production of magical items. More information here.
▪ Beast Cores are also sometimes called Neidan (內丹), which can be translated
more literally as “Internal Pellet”.
▪ Some novels give the Beasts slightly varying names such as Demonic Beasts
(妖兽) or Spirit Beasts (灵兽), but they’re all essentially the same sort of
creature. The names of the Cores vary similarly.

Demons (妖 yāo) – sometimes left untranslated as “Yao” or alternatively translated as

Monsters. Born when an animal, plant, or even an inanimate object absorbs spiritual
energy over a long period of time and then gains spiritual awareness. Not inherently
evil, although many have antagonistic relationships with humans.

Devils (魔 mó) – sometimes left untranslated as “Mo” or alternatively translated as

Fiends. Evil spirits/creatures of remarkable power and cruelty. Similar to the demons
and devils of Western mythology. In some novels, evil cultivators emulate them by
practicing devilish cultivation methods and committing atrocities in their pursuit of
power.
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▪ Some novels consider Demons and Devils to be a single species (妖魔

Yaomo),  others as distinct species (妖族 Yao race / 魔族 Mo race).
▪ 魔 is sometimes translated as “Demon”, which can be confusing at times
(particularly when 妖 is also used in the novel). The difference between the two
is explained here.

Ghosts (鬼 guǐ) – evil spirits or the spirits of the deceased. Ghosts are strongly Yin in
nature.
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World of Martial Arts

Jianghu (江湖 jiānghú) – literally translates as “Rivers and Lakes”, but figuratively
refers to the “Martial World” or the “underground world of martial arts”. A section of
society consisting of martial artists, gangsters, thieves, beggars, prostitutes,
merchants, entertainers, and anyone else wanting to operate outside of mainstream
society or in the grey area of the law.
▪ Wulin (武林 wǔlín) – literally “Martial Forest”, figuratively refers to the
“community of martial artists” within the Jianghu. The Wulin is typically
controlled by an alliance formed by the Righteous/Orthodox sects in order to
uphold justice.
▪ The martial sects of the Jianghu are often divided into two main factions  –
commonly called the Orthodox & Unorthodox (黑白) factions or the Righteous &
Evil (正邪) factions.

Xia (侠 xiá) – a Hero of the martial world. Righteous, skilled martial artists who follow
their own moral code. They sometimes come into conflict with the law, especially in
novels where society or the government is depicted as corrupt.
▪ Wandering Xia (游侠 yóuxiá) – vagrant martial artists who protect the innocent
and use their strength to correct injustices. Seen as champions of the common
people. Similar to the romanticized European Knights-errant, but without any of
the feudal overtones.

Cultivation World (修真界 xiūzhēn jiè) – not literally a separate world, but rather
refers to the broad community of cultivators and their sects/schools/clans/etc…
Analogous to the Wulin of martial artists.

Cultivator (修者 xiūzhě) (修士  xiūshì) (修仙者  xiūxiānzhě) – a person who trains in
martial & mystical arts, generally in order to become powerful and increase their
longevity. Meditation and the cultivation of Qi are common practices among
cultivators.
▪ Rogue Cultivators (散修 sǎnxiū) – literally translates as “Loose Cultivators”.
Independent cultivators unaffiliated with any sect, clan, or other martial
organizations.
▪ Devil Cultivators (修魔者 xiūmózhě) – also translated as Demon Cultivators.
Wicked cultivators who emulate Devils (魔) and seek power by any means
necessary. They are often said to follow the Devil Path / Devil Dao (魔道), in
opposition to the orthodox Immortal Cultivators (修仙者 xiūxiānzhě).

Sect (宗 zōng) (派 pài) – an organization dedicated to the practice of cultivation and/or

martial arts. Typically led by a Sect Leader (掌门) or Patriarch (老祖). With the help of
Sect Elders (老), they instruct Disciples (弟子) in the proper methods of cultivation or
training in the martial arts styles of the Sect. The Disciples live in the Sect, which
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provides for their daily needs. There is practically always a strict hierarchy amongst
members of a Sect, and respect for the elder generations is demanded.
▪ In some novels, the common Disciples are divided into another hierarchy of
Core Disciples (核心弟子), Inner Disciples (内门弟子), and Outer Disciples (外围
弟子) – based on their level of talent and meritorious service to the Sect.
Disciples higher on the hierarchy have greater status and receive more
resources from the Sect.
▪ Religious Sect (教 jiào) – a sect with a strong religious background. If the
religion being practiced is evil, then this term is translated as a Cult. Commonly
seen in Wuxia novels.

School (门 mén) – a school of cultivation or martial arts. Doesn’t differ much from a
Sect.

Clan (家 jiā) – an extended family related by blood, sharing a surname. They often
pass down heirlooms from generation to generation along with secret cultivation
methods & martial arts styles which were developed by the clan’s ancestors. They
tend to guard these jealously from outsiders.

Association (帮 bāng) – also translated as a Union, Gang, Clan, or Brotherhood. A

loose organization of people. The members may have something in common, like
sharing a particular way of life, or they may simply be working together towards a
mutually beneficial goal. Not religious in nature.

Society (會 huì) – a secret society. Similar to Associations for the most part, but
cloaked in secrecy and deeply involved in rituals/traditions. Sometimes religious or
cult-like in nature.

Escort Agency (镖局 biāojú) – a protection agency for hire.

● Escorts (镖人 / 镖师 / 镖客) typically work as bodyguards for travelers and
merchant caravans. Commonly seen in Wuxia novels.
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Martial Arts Terms

Martial Arts (武功 wǔgōng) – fighting styles & techniques. Also includes physical
exercises, methods of mental discipline, and more. Chinese martial arts are commonly
referred to as Kung Fu (功夫) or Wushu (武术).
▪ External Martial Arts (外家 wàijiā) – martial arts styles characterized by fast and
explosive movements. They focus on the cultivation of physical strength and
agility.
▪ Internal Martial Arts (内家 nèijiā) – martial arts styles characterized by soft and
flowing movements. They focus on the cultivation of the mind, spirit and Qi.
▪ Hard & Soft (硬 yìng / 柔 róu) – terms used to describe how a martial artist
counters the attacks of an opponent. Practitioners of “Hard” styles meet force
with force, directly countering the opponent and seeking to overwhelm them
with sheer power. Practitioners of “Soft” styles counter the opponent indirectly,
by dodging or deflecting the attacks and seeking to take advantage of
openings.

Internal Energy (内力 nèilì) (內劲 nèijìn) – also called Inner Energy, Internal Strength,
Internal Power, or Internal Force. The cultivated energy within a martial artist’s body.
Utilizing it, a martial artist can accomplish superhuman feats of speed, agility, strength,
endurance, etc… It can even be used to heal wounds and nullify poisons.

Lightness Skill (轻功 qīnggōng) – often left untranslated as “Qinggong”. The ability to
lighten the body and move with great agility & swiftness. At high proficiency,
practitioners of this skill can run across water, leap to the top of trees, or even glide
through the air.

Striking the Meridians / Acupoints (点脉 diǎnmài) (点穴 diǎnxué) – often left
untranslated as “Dianmai” and “Dianxue”. Also known as “Hitting / Sealing Pressure
Points“. Fighting techniques which target the opponent’s meridians and acupoints in
order to kill, cripple, immobilize, or control the opponent. More information here.
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Cultivation Terms

Cultivation (修炼 xiūliàn) (修真 xiūzhēn) (修行 xiūxíng) (修仙 xiūxiān) – the process of
improving health, increasing longevity, and growing powerful. This is accomplished by
cultivating Qi and training in martial & mystical arts. In many of these novels, the
ultimate goal of cultivation is to become an Immortal or attain godhood.

Cultivation Method (功法 gōngfǎ) (心法 xīnfǎ) – a mystical art or collection of

techniques which cultivators practice in order to cultivate.  Related: Qigong (气功)

Cultivation Base (修为 xiūwéi) – the amount or capacity of refined Qi possessed by a

cultivator.

Manual (秘笈 mìjí) – a book containing detailed instructions on training in a cultivation

method or martial arts style. Usually regarded as extremely valuable and thus kept
secret (or at least, not made publicly available).
▪ Sutras & Scriptures (经 jīng) – sacred writings. In the context of these novels,
they typically pertain to cultivation or martial arts. Used more or less
interchangeably with “Manual”.

Spiritual Roots (灵根 línggēn) – figuratively, the very foundation (roots) of one’s body
and soul. Associated with a person’s innate talent and elemental affinities.
▪ Cultivation usually requires some minimum level of innate talent, and many
people find it impossible to even take the first step. In some novels, the quality
of a person’s Spiritual Roots can be tested to determine if they have the talent
necessary to cultivate. Rare individuals may even have special Spiritual Roots
which allow them to cultivate quickly or grant them other benefits. For example,
someone with “fire spiritual roots” might learn fire spells more easily than their
peers.

Dantian (丹田 dāntián) – literally translates as “Cinnabar Field” or “Elixir Field”. Refers
to the region in the body where a person’s Qi is concentrated. There are technically
three dantians, but these novels simplify the concept and only use the lower dantian
(located three finger widths below and two finger widths behind the navel).

Meridians (经脉 jīngmài) – the network of vessels/channels in the body through which
Qi flows. Like blood vessels, but for Qi instead of blood.
▪ Eight Extraordinary Meridians (奇经八脉 qí jīng bā mài) – act as reservoirs or
pathways for the circulation of Qi. Of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, the
Governing Vessel (督脈) and Conception Vessel (任脈) are mentioned in these
novels most frequently. The Governing Vessel runs from the dantian (in the
lower abdomen) up along the spine to the head. The Conception Vessel runs
from the dantian up the front of the body to the head, where it connects with
the Governing Vessel to form a complete circuit.
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▪ Twelve Principal Meridians (正经十二脉 zhèngjīng shí’èr mài) – meridians

associated with the internal organs.
▪ Acupoints (穴 xué) – “acupuncture points”, related to pressure points. There
are several hundred of them on the body, mostly located along the meridians.
Knowledge of acupoints can be used in healing (through acupuncture or similar
practices) or in combat by deliberately striking them to achieve certain effects.

Qi Circulation (行气 xíngqì) – the act of controlling Qi to flow from the dantian,
through the meridians, and back into the dantian in a cycle. The purpose of this varies
between novels, but usually it helps replenish stamina, purify the Qi, or strengthen the
meridians.

Breathing Exercises (吐纳 tùnà) – also known as Tu Na Breathing. A special way of

breathing which expels the turbid Qi within the body and draws in the Qi of the natural
world. An essential part of cultivation.
▪ Embryonic Breathing (胎息 tāixī) – also known as Taixi or Fetal Breathing. A
form of breathing without using one’s nose and mouth. Instead, the practitioner
might breathe through their pores or dantian (for example). This is generally
considered to be a highly-advanced Breathing Exercise which grants mystical
benefits and brings the practitioner closer to nature. Often compared to how
babies breathe in the womb (through the umbilical cord).

Meditation (冥想 míngxiǎng) – a practice for training or calming the mind and spirit.
Cultivators spend a great deal of time in meditation, as both the cultivation of Qi and
contemplation of Insights generally require it.
▪ Lotus Position (盘膝 pánxī) – sitting in a cross-legged meditative position.
▪ Closed Door Training (闭关 bìguān) – also called Closed Door Meditation or
Closed Door Cultivation. Training done in seclusion, usually to focus on
breaking through a bottleneck or to avoid becoming distracted at a crucial
moment and suffering a backlash as a result.

Insight (参悟 cānwù) (顿悟 dùnwù) – related to enlightenment. Cultivators usually gain
insights by meditating, engaging in life-or-death battles, or going out into the world to
experience new things. These insights are often needed in order to master techniques
or advance to higher stages of cultivation.

Internal Demons (心魔 xīnmó) – literally translates as “Heart Devils”. Rather than
standard demons or devils, these are a practitioner’s negative emotions and other
mental barriers which hinder their training/cultivation. Internal Demons, in some cases,
can even attack the practitioner from the inside, and failure to adequately resist them
may result in Qi Deviation.
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Qi Deviation (走火入魔 zǒuhuǒ rùmó) – also known as Qigong Deviation. Literally
translates as “to catch fire and be entered [possessed] by devils”. A state wherein the
cultivation base becomes dangerously unstable, causing internal damage to the body
and symptoms of psychosis. People who succumb to their Internal Demons, who
practice cultivation/martial arts incorrectly, or who rashly use forbidden arts are all at
risk of falling into this state.

Bottleneck (瓶颈 píngjǐng) – the term for when cultivators figuratively hit a wall in their
training and it suddenly becomes incredibly difficult to proceed. When they reach a
bottleneck, cultivators may require new Insights, the aid of medicinal pills, or even
harsher training in order to make a Breakthrough (突破 tūpò) and successfully
bypass the bottleneck.

Impurities (杂质 zázhì) – usually described as a smelly, black substance which is

secreted from a cultivator’s skin when they reach new cultivation stages or consume
special medicinal pills. The result of the body purifying itself and expelling the waste.

Ranks / Levels / Layers (级 jí) (层 céng) – a common way to quantify martial power
or the progress made in cultivation. In many cases (although not all) where these are
used, there are 9 ranks/levels/layers to each stage of cultivation, with rank 1 being the
start and rank 9 being the peak. After breaking through to the next stage, the
practitioner starts at rank 1 of that new stage. The number 9 has a great deal of
symbolism.
▪ Another set of commonly used terms are Early-stage (初期), Middle-stage
(中期), Late-stage (后期) & Peak (巅峰). For example, someone might be a
“late-stage Core Formation expert” or they could be at “the peak of the Nascent
Soul stage”.
▪ A half step to __ (半步__境) – refers to someone who’s infinitely close to
breaking through to the next stage of cultivation, but hasn’t achieved it yet. For
example, someone who’s “a half step to Foundation Establishment” is still
technically at the Qi Condensation stage, but they’re only a hair’s breadth away
from Foundation Establishment.

Houtian & Xiantian (后天 hòutiān / 先天 xiāntiān) – the names of two cultivation
stages which appear in several novels, with the Houtian stage preceding the Xiantian
stage. Houtian can mean Posterior Heaven / Postcelestial / Acquired. Xiantian can
mean Anterior Heaven / Precelestial / Innate. Very roughly, the idea is that something
“Xiantian” is primordial and thus close to the Dao, while something “Houtian” is
degraded or further away from the Dao.
▪ “Houtian & Xiantian” are derived from Daoism and Internal Alchemy. There’s a
belief that people are born with a small amount of Xiantian treasures (Essence,
Qi and Spirit). By practicing Daoist cultivation and internal alchemy, they can
absorb and refine the Houtian Qi of the natural world to steadily increase their
supply of Xiantian treasures (which grant health and longevity benefits).
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Qi Condensation (凝气 níngqì) – also known as Qi Refining (炼气 liànqì) or Qi
Gathering (聚气 jùqì). An initial stage of cultivation which involves absorbing Qi from
the natural world and refining it inside the body.

Foundation Establishment (筑基 zhùjī) – also translated as Foundation Building. The

stage after Qi Condensation. Once a cultivator’s Qi crosses a certain threshold (in the
volume and/or density of the Qi), they’ll be able to breakthrough to this stage.
▪ This term is derived from Internal Alchemy. Read more about it here. (page 25-
onward)

Core Formation (结丹 jiēdān) – sometimes left untranslated as “Jiedan”. The stage
after Foundation Establishment. It involves forming a Golden Core (金丹 jīndān) by
using the Dantian as a crucible and the Cultivation Base as raw material.
▪ The Gold Core is sometimes left untranslated as “Jindan” or is more literally
translated as Golden Pellet. In scholarly articles on Chinese internal alchemy, it
is translated as the “Golden Elixir“. It is somewhat analogous to the
Philosopher’s Stone of Western alchemy, although there are many differences
between the two.

Nascent Soul (元婴 yuányīng) – sometimes left untranslated as “Yuanying”. Literally

translates as “Origin Infant”. The stage after Core Formation (in some novels). The
Nascent Soul resembles an infant or miniature person and resides in the Dantian,
typically sitting in a meditative position. In some novels, the Nascent Soul can travel
outside the body and is like a second life for cultivators – if their main body dies, their
consciousness can continue to exist in the Nascent Soul.

Immortal Ascension (成仙 chéngxiān) – also known as Apotheosis. The stage

wherein the cultivator becomes a Daoist Immortal. There are many differences
between novels, but usually the cultivation/maturation of the Golden Core or Nascent
Soul plays a key role in ascending to Immortality.
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Alchemy Terms

Alchemy (丹道 dāndào) (外丹 wàidān) – the refining of plants, minerals, and other
substances into medicinal pills & elixirs. In these novels, Alchemists (丹师) are
essentially pharmacists who work with magical materials and make miracle drugs.

Cauldrons & Pill Furnaces (鼎 dǐng) (丹炉 dānlú) – the tools alchemists use to
produce medicinal pills & elixirs.

Medicinal Pills & Elixirs (丹药 dānyào) – miracle drugs which can have all sorts of
effects. Often taken to boost cultivation, heal wounds, cure poisons, purify or
strengthen the body, and much much more.

Medicinal Plants / Herbs (药草 yàocǎo) – a generic term for any kind of plant which
can be used by alchemists to make poisons or medicinal pills & elixirs. Older medicinal
plants (100-year, 1000-year, etc…) are generally considered to be more potent.
▪ Ginseng (参) & Lingzhi Mushrooms (灵芝) appear quite often in these novels,
where they’re claimed to have great medicinal qualities.

Spiritual Plants / Herbs (灵草 língcǎo) – also called Spirit Grass. A magic plant
which has absorbed spiritual energy from the natural world and is highly sought after
by both cultivators and alchemists alike. Usually either eaten to absorb the spiritual
energy it contains or refined into spirit medicines.
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Items & Weapons

Magic Treasures (法宝 fǎbǎo) – also translated as Magical Items. A generic term
which encompasses all of the magic weapons/clothing/trinkets/talismans/etc… which
cultivators make and use.
▪ Magic Tools (法器 fǎqì) & Spirit Tools (灵器 língqì) – terms which are almost
interchangeable with “Magic Treasures”.

Spirit Stones (灵石 língshí) – translucent crystals with spiritual energy trapped within.
Mainly used as currency amongst cultivators. They can also be used to cultivate (by
absorbing the spiritual energy), create magical items, or power spell formations.

Flying Sword (飞剑 fēijiàn) – a magic sword which can fly through the air and can be
directed to engage in long-range attacks. Perhaps the most iconic cultivator weapon.
In some novels, cultivators stand atop their flying swords and ride them as a form of
transportation.

Interspatial Ring (空间戒指 kōngjiān jièzhi) – a magic ring with a pocket dimension
inside it. With a mere thought, the owner can store items inside it and retrieve them at
will. Depending on the novel, there may be some restrictions – for example, the size of
the storage space might be limited or the ring might only be capable of storing certain
types of items.
▪ Storage Treasures (储物法宝 chǔwù fǎbǎo) – a generic term for items similar
in function to Interspatial Rings. Some novels, for example, may have Bags,
Belts, Gourds, and other objects which also have magical storage spaces
inside them.

Talisman (符 fú) – sometimes translated as a Seal. A strip of paper with mystical

diagrams & calligraphy drawn on it. In these novels, they’re essentially consumable
spells. (When activated, they cast a spell and will disintegrate once their magic is
depleted.)

Jade Slip (玉简 yùjiǎn) – a long, narrow strip of jade used as a magical item. A
cultivator can magically store information inside it, and other cultivators can then use
that Jade Slip to directly transmit the stored information into their minds. Based on the
Bamboo Slips used in ancient China.
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Four Major Weapons:
▪ Sword (剑 jiàn) – a double-edged, straight sword. The weapon of choice for
many, many characters in these novels.
▪ Saber (刀 dāo) – a single-edged, curved saber. Heavier and considered
somewhat brutish in comparison to the elegant Sword.
▪ Spear (枪 qiāng) – a spear, often with a leaf-shaped spearhead and a tassel
lashed just beneath it.
▪ Staff (棍 gùn) – a staff made from wood or iron.

Hidden Weapons (暗器 ànqì) – weapons that are concealed in some way (often
hidden in the owner’s clothing). Their use and effectiveness relies heavily on the
element of surprise. Poisoned projectiles (darts/needles/etc) are an especially popular
type of hidden weapon. But in the hands of a hidden weapons expert, almost
anything can be lethal – in Wuxia novels, even things like abaci, coins, chopsticks, and
musical instruments are used as hidden weapons.

A partial list of weapons which may be unfamiliar to new readers:

Duster / Fly Whisk / Fan (扇) Ribbon (丝带)
Horsetail Whisk (拂尘)

Ruyi Scepter (如意) Loom Shuttle (梭) Wheels (轮)

Ruler (尺) Seal (印) Awl (锥)

Butterfly Knives (蝴蝶双刀) Judge’s Brush (判官笔) Crutches (柺)

Flying Guillotine (血滴子) Flying Claw (飞爪) Flying Daggers (飞刀)

Emei Piercers (峨嵋刺) Rope Dart (绳镖) Sleeve Arrow (袖箭)

Three Section Staff (三节棍) Monk’s Spade (月牙铲) Hoop / Ring (环)

Nine Section Whip (九节鞭) Snake Lance (蛇矛) Hook Swords (钩)

Glaive / Guandao (关刀) Meteor Hammer (流星锤) Wolf-tooth Club (狼牙棒)

Horse-chopping Saber
Nine-ringed Saber (九环刀) Dagger-axe (戈)
(斩马刀)
 18
Units of Measurement

PINYIN HANZI TYPE VALUE NOTES

Shi Chen 時辰 Time 2 hours “Double-hour“, aka “Chinese hour”

Wen 文 Money 0.001 taels of silver aka “Copper-cash“, (see below)

Liang 兩 Mass 31.25 grams “Tael“

Jin 斤 Mass 500 grams “Catty“, = 16 Taels

Cun 市寸 Length 3 ⅓ cm aka “Chinese inch“

Chi 市尺 Length 33 ⅓ cm aka “Chinese foot“, = 10 Cun

Zhang 市丈 Length 3 ⅓ meters 10 Chi

Li 市里 Length 500 meters aka “Chinese mile“, = 1500 Chi

Mu 亩 Area 666 ⅔ meters² aka “Chinese acre”, = 60 Zhang²

▪ Note: The coins could be strung together into “strings of cash” (一贯钱) for
convenience. A string of 1000 Wen was equal in value to one Tael of Silver (a
silver ingot).
 19
Miscellaneous Terms

A list of miscellaneous terms from Wuxia, Xianxia & Xuanhuan novels which weren’t
included in the main glossary.

9 (九 jiǔ) – the number Nine is an auspicious number in China. It sounds just like 久
(jiǔ), which means “everlasting”. Perhaps because of this, Nine is strongly associated
with Dragons and the Emperor. There are also Nine Heavens (九天), along with a lot of
other symbolism.

81 (八十一) – the number Eighty-One is an auspicious and “complete” number in

China, particularly because 9×9 = 81 (with 9 already being very auspicious). In several
novels, cultivators must resist 81 lightning bolts while undergoing a Heavenly
Tribulation. This might be a reference to Journey to the West, where the
monk  Xuanzang faces 81 tribulations along his journey. When he completes his
journey and successfully transcends the tribulations, he attains Buddhahood.

100 (百 bǎi) – the number One Hundred can be used figuratively to mean “numerous”
or “all kinds of”. So for example, if there’s a “Hundred Herbs Shop” in a novel, it
probably means that the shop sells a wide variety of herbs, rather than literally 100
types.

108 (一百零八) – the number One Hundred and Eight is steeped in symbolism,
particularly with regards to religion and martial arts.

10000 / Myriad (万 wàn) – the number Ten Thousand can be used figuratively to
mean “myriad” or “innumerable”. This is actually the same as in English or Greek,
where the word Myriad can mean either the number 10000 or an indefinitely large
number. So if something in a novel is said to be “ten thousand years old”, that might
actually mean it’s unfathomably ancient, rather than literally age 10000.

Amitabha / Amitābha (阿弥陀佛 ēmítuó fó) – a Buddha. He is known as the Buddha

of Boundless Light. It is believed that people who sincerely call out his name will be
welcomed into his Pure Land after they die. Because of this, Buddhist monks will
often chant “Namo Amitabha” (a salutation to Amitabha) or say his name as a greeting
or blessing for others.

Arhat (阿罗汉 āluóhàn) (罗汉 luóhàn) – sometimes written as Lohan or Luohan. A

Buddhist title meaning “one who is worthy”. Arhats are basically Buddhist sages, often
with magical powers.
▪ Buddhists disagree on what exactly an Arhat is. The Mahayana branch claims
Arhats to be far advanced on the path to Enlightenment (but ultimately beneath
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas), while the Theravada branch claims Arhats to be
little different from a Buddha (both having attained nirvana).
 20
Auspicious Clouds (祥云 xiángyún) (彩云 cǎiyún) (瑞霞 ruìxiá) – represent the
Heavens and good fortune. Cloud (云 yún) sounds similar to Luck (运 yùn), and clouds
float up in the sky – close to the Heavens. Auspicious Clouds are often red (a lucky
color) and shaped like a Lingzhi Mushroom (the “mushroom of immortality”).
▪ Transcendent figures (Gods, Buddhas, Immortals, etc…) are sometimes said to
ride on Auspicious Clouds.

Beggar Sect (丐帮 gài bāng ) – also known as the Beggar Clan. A fictional martial
arts sect which appears in many Wuxia novels. The sect is mostly made up of
beggars and is renowned for its incredible information gathering skills. It’s commonly
portrayed as the largest and one of the most powerful sects.
▪ 丐帮 would be more accurately translated as the Beggars Union or Beggars
Association.

▪ Dog-Beating Staff (打狗棒) – also known as the Dog Beating Stick. The
famous weapon carried by the Chief of the Beggar Sect. Only the Chief can
wield the staff and learn the fearsome Dog-Beating Staff technique (打狗棒法)
which complements it.
▪ Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms (降龙十八掌) – a very famous martial art
of the Beggar Sect. Often called the most powerful ‘external‘ martial art in the
world. Many novels (even non-Wuxia) make references to it.

Bodhi (菩提 pútí) (觉 jué) – a Buddhist term meaning “awakening” or “enlightenment“.

The understanding of the true nature of things and the universe. A person who attains
Bodhi becomes a Buddha and is freed from the cycle of reincarnation (samsara).
▪ The Bodhi Tree (菩提树 pútíshù) is the tree under which Siddhārtha Gautama
meditated and attained enlightenment. Sacred Fig trees are often called Bodhi
Trees because of this.

Bodhisattva (菩萨 púsà) – roughly means “one who is set upon enlightenment”. A
Buddhist title for a person of great compassion who wishes to attain Buddhahood for
the benefit of all sentient beings. They often have magical powers and are sometimes
venerated as gods (or god-like beings). The Bodhisattva and “Goddess of Mercy”
Guanyin is an example of this.

Buddha (佛 fó) (佛陀 fótuó) – means “awakened/enlightened one”. A Buddhist title for
a person who has achieved perfect enlightenment and has escaped from the cycle of
reincarnation (samsara). “Buddha” often refers to a particular person (Gautama
Buddha / Siddhārtha Gautama), although it’s important to remember that there are
actually multiple Buddhas in Buddhism.
▪ The title Tathagata / Tathāgata (如来 rú lái ) roughly means “one who has thus
come” or “one who has thus gone”. It refers to Buddhas and their transcendent
nature (being part of the world and yet also being beyond it).
 21
Buddha Palm (如来神掌 rú lái shén zhǎng ) – also known as Buddha’s Palm. An
iconic martial art technique seen in Wuxia novels, movies, and tv series. It’s a palm
strike – usually a supernaturally powerful one.

Calabash (葫芦 húlú) – also called a Gourd or Bottle Gourd. It’s a fruit that, after being
hollowed-out and dried, can be used as a container. In these novels, calabashes or
gourds of wine are often mentioned. They’re also commonly seen as Storage
Treasures or medicine containers. The association with medicine might come from
Iron-Crutch Li of the Eight Immortals, who has a magical gourd containing miraculous
medicine.

Cinnabar (丹 dān) (朱 zhū) (朱砂 zhūshā) – a red-colored ore (Mercury sulfide).

Commonly used in ancient China to make bright red ink, lacquer and cosmetics. It
was also highly valued in Chinese alchemy, particularly because liquid mercury
(quicksilver) could be produced by burning it. Alchemists were fascinated by this and
considered cinnabar/quicksilver to be a vital ingredient in making the Elixir of Life.

Clasped Hands (抱拳 bàoquán) (拱手 gǒngshǒu) – also translated as Cupped Fist or
Cupped Hands. A respectful salute or greeting.
▪ The Baoquan (抱拳) is a salute which originated among martial artists. The
Gongshou (拱手) is a salute commonly used by Chinese people in general.

Confucius (孔子 / 孔夫子) – also known as Master Kong or the Great Sage. A very
famous teacher/philosopher and the founder of Confucianism. He emphasized the
importance of strict social etiquette and filial piety. Many wise sayings are attributed to
Confucius.

Congee (粥 zhōu) (糊 hú) – a type of food. It's rice porridge or gruel.

Coolie (苦力 kǔlì) (苦工 kǔgōng) – unskilled workers or indentured servants who
perform (often harsh) manual labor.

Dao-heart (道心 dàoxīn) – the heart’s path. Dao (道) can mean “path/road”, and
Heart (心) can also mean “mind/core”. So a person’s Dao Heart is the direction they
want to move in and what they truly desire from life, deep down in the core of their
being.
▪ In cultivation novels, pure and resolute Dao Hearts are valued highly by
cultivators. Cultivators who have weak Dao Hearts or who deny/betray their
feelings won’t easily progress on the path of cultivation, and they may even face
a deadly backlash.

Dharma (法 fǎ) (佛法 fófǎ) – in Buddhism, the Dharma is cosmic law and order, as
well as the teachings of the Buddha. It is somewhat similar to the Dao of Daoism.
 22
Dragon Pearl (龙珠 lóng zhū) (如意珠 rú yì zhū) (宝珠 bǎo zhū) – also known as a
Flaming Pearl. A symbol of spirituality, wisdom, truth, enlightenment, prosperity, good
fortune, and the Sun & Moon. Dragons are commonly depicted holding or chasing
after these flaming pearls. They’re also said to have great magical powers and to be
capable of granting wishes.

Dual Cultivation (双修 shuāngxiū) – also known as Pair Cultivation or Paired

Cultivation. A unique, often sex-based form of cultivation. It stems from the principle of
Yin & Yang.
▪ Human Cauldron (炉鼎 / 鼎炉) – also known as a Cauldron or Furnace. A
person who is drained of their vital energies during Dual Cultivation.

Dugu 9 Swords (独孤九剑 dúgū jiǔjiàn) – also known as the Nine Swords of Dugu. A
famous martial art created by the mythical Dugu Qiubai. The “Nine Swords” are nine
sword stances, and each stance was designed to counter and defeat a particular type
of weapon / martial arts. “Dugu 9 Swords” is referenced in several novels as a
supreme martial art.

Earthfire / Earth Fire (地火 dìhuǒ) – in ancient China, natural gas fires and coal seam
fires were sometimes called Earthfire. The fearsome and mysterious sight of fire
suddenly flaring up from underground caused Earthfire to gain mystique, making it
seem magical and more dangerous than “mundane” fire. In cultivation novels, Earthfire
is typically a magical and powerful type of flame which cultivators use to do things like
forging magical items or concocting medicinal pills.

Earthly Branches (地支 dìzhī) – a Chinese system for reckoning time, among other
things. There are twelve Earthly Branches, each of which represents a particular
double-hour, an animal in the Chinese Zodiac, a direction (in degrees), and more.
▪ The Chinese 60-Year Cycle (六十干支) makes use of the Heavenly Stems and
Earthly Branches.

Eight Immortals (八仙 bāxiān) – a famous group of Daoist Immortals in Chinese

mythology. More information here.

Eight Trigrams (八卦 bāguà) – often left untranslated as the “Bagua”. Thought to
represent the fundamental principles of reality. In real life, it’s used in fortune-telling. In
these novels, it’s mainly only mentioned in passing. For example, a battle formation or
martial arts move might have the “Eight Trigrams” in its name

Emei Sect (峨嵋派 é méi pài ) – a fictional martial arts sect which appears in many
Wuxia novels. It’s located on and takes its name from Mount Emei. It’s sometimes
portrayed as an entirely female sect, perhaps because “Emei” (峨嵋 é méi) sounds just
like “Beautiful Women” (蛾眉 é méi).
 23
Essence (精 jīng) – often called Blood Essence (精血). It’s basically “lifeblood” or “life
force”. Powerful techniques sometimes require cultivators to expend their Essence,
shortening their lifespan as a result.
▪ Essence is one of the Three Treasures of Internal Alchemy.

Essence of the Sun and Moon (日月精华 rìyuè jīnghuá) – the energy of the great
celestial bodies. Practically the same thing as the Spiritual Energy of Heaven and
Earth (天地之气), which is the natural energy of the world. Magical beasts are often
said to cultivate by absorbing or swallowing the Essence of the Sun and Moon. If an
ordinary plant or animal absorbs enough natural energy, then they can gain magical
powers or even eventually transform into a Demon (妖).

Face (面子 miànzi) – a person’s reputation in society and amongst their peers. If
someone “has face” (有面子), they have a good reputation. If they “have no face” (没
面子), then they have a bad reputation. “Giving face” (给面子) to someone means to
defer to or pay homage to them. “Losing face” (丢脸) means that a person has hurt
their reputation. “Not wanting face” (不要脸) means that a person is acting
shamelessly, in a way that suggests they don’t care about hurting their reputation.

Fairy (仙女 xiānnǚ) (仙子 xiānzǐ) – a term used to describe a woman of otherworldly
beauty.
▪ Note: Not to be confused with the Western concept of Fairies.

Fellow Daoist (道友 dàoyǒu) – a title meaning “friend of the Dao”. Daoists commonly
address each other as “Fellow Daoist”.

Feng Shui (风水 fēngshuǐ) – literally translates as “Wind Water”. A form of traditional
Chinese divination/fortune-telling, often performed using the Eight Trigrams and a
Feng Shui compass (罗盘 luópán). In these novels, it’s mainly only mentioned in
passing.

Five Grains (五谷 wǔgǔ) – a grouping of vital crops in ancient China. This includes
rice, wheat, beans, and two types of millet. In cultivation novels, “Five Grains” is
sometimes used to refer to the food of mortals in general (which Immortals and
cultivators might refrain from eating).

Formations (阵 zhèn) (阵法 zhènfǎ) – divided into battle formations and spell
formations, although they are often just called “formations”. Battle formations are
“fantasy-fied” tactical formations used by several cultivators or martial artists attacking
in concert. Spell formations are also called Arrays. They’re essentially magic circles
which cast a continuous area-of-effect spell on the location the formation
encompasses.
 24

▪ Formation Flags (阵旗 zhènqí) – magical flags set up at key points in order to
activate a spell formation (usually around the perimeter).
▪ Restrictions (禁制 jìnzhì) (禁法 jìnfǎ) – also translated as Seals, Restrictive
Spells, or Spell Restrictions. Somewhat similar to formations. They are spells
which form a barrier around a location or act to seal/suppress a person or
object.

Four Treasures of the Study (文房四宝 wén fáng sì bǎo) – refers to the four
essential items of calligraphy and scholarship. These are: Writing Brush (笔), Ink (墨),
Paper (纸), and Ink-stone (砚).

Granny Meng (孟婆) – also known as Meng Po or Old Lady Meng. The Goddess of
Forgetfulness in Chinese mythology. She resides in the Chinese Underworld, near the
Bridge of Helplessness. Prior to reincarnation, the souls of the dead are made to drink
Granny Meng’s soup, which erases their memories of their previous lives.
▪ Granny Meng’s Soup (孟婆汤 / 迷魂汤) – also known as the Waters of
Oblivion or the Five Flavored Tea of Forgetfulness. Varying sources refer to it as
a soup, broth, tea, brew, or elixir.
▪ Bridge of Helplessness (奈何桥) – also known as the Naihe Bridge or the
Bridge of Despair. A bridge which spans the River of Forgetfulness. The souls of
the dead must drink Granny Meng’s soup and cross the bridge before they can
reincarnate.
▪ River of Forgetfulness (忘川) – also known as the Wangchuan River or the
River of Oblivion. A river in the Chinese Underworld, analogous to the River
Lethe of Greek mythology.

Gu Poison (蛊 gǔ) – a demonic poison produced through sorcery / black magic. The
basic method of producing it involved sealing several different poisonous or venomous
creatures in a container and waiting until there was a single survivor. It was believed
that the poison from all the other creatures would be concentrated in the survivor as
Gu poison.
▪ Gu (蛊) can also refer to any sorcery that harms humans.

Guanyin (观音) – a Bodhisattva and the Goddess of Mercy. A very popular goddess.
Her name roughly means “Perceiver of the World’s Sounds”. She is sometimes
depicted with a thousand arms, which she uses to reach out to and comfort all of the
suffering people in the world.

Hand-seals (掐诀 qiājué) – also translated as Incantation Gestures. Daoist hand

and finger gestures performed to cast spells.

Heavenly Stems (天干 tiāngān) – also known as the Celestial Stems. A set of ordinal
numbers, originally used for the days of the week in ancient China. There are ten
 25
Heavenly Stems, and each of them also symbolizes either a Yin or Yang aspect of one
of the Five Elements.
▪ The Chinese 60-Year Cycle (六十干支) makes use of the Heavenly Stems and
Earthly Branches.

Heavenly Tribulation (天劫 tiānjié) (重劫 zhòngjié) – in some novels, a trial

encountered by cultivators at key points in their cultivation, which they must resist and
ultimately transcend. Because immortal cultivation (generally) goes against the Will of
Heaven, the Heavens will send down tribulations to oppress high-level cultivators who
make progress towards Immortality, often right when they enter a new cultivation
stage. This typically takes the form of a lightning storm, with extraordinarily powerful
bolts of lightning raining down from the Heavens to strike at the cultivator.

Horse Stance (马步 mǎbù) – an important, fundamental posture in Chinese martial

arts. It’s commonly used to practice punching or to strengthen the legs and back. The
Horse Stance takes its name from the posture used while riding a horse.

Houyi (后羿) – a godly archer in Chinese mythology. He’s credited with performing
many heroic feats. Houyi is also the husband of Chang’e, the goddess of the moon.

Hun and Po (魂魄 húnpò) – the dualistic components of a soul. Hun is the spiritual,
intelligent, and Yang component of the soul. Po is the physical/corporeal, animalistic,
and Yin component of the soul. Upon death, the Hun component goes to the afterlife,
while the Po component remains and rots away in the corpse. In Daoism, the soul is
said to consist of three Hun and seven Po (三魂七魄).

Immortal’s Cave (洞府 dòngfǔ) – also translated as Cave Estate or Immortal Estate.
The abode of a cultivator. Often high up in the mountains in a cave where spiritual
energy is abundant. Similar to a Grotto (洞天).

Incense (香 xiāng) – aromatic material which releases fragrant smoke when burned.
Used in religious ceremonies, to aid in meditation, and in many other cultural activities.
Incense Sticks (or Joss Sticks) are frequently mentioned in these novels.
▪ “The time it takes an incense stick to burn” is a common phrase which refers to
a short time period – generally around either 5 or 30 minutes. Other ancient
Chinese time measurements can be found here.
▪ Hun could be compared to the Ego or Superego, with Po as the Id.

Jade (玉 yù) – a type of gemstone that was more valuable than gold in Ancient China.
It was even thought to have mystical powers/properties and to be associated with the
soul and immortality. In cultivation novels, magical items are often made from jade.
And anything beautiful, refined, or lustrous is commonly described as being “Jade-
like”.
 26
▪ Jade comes in two types: Jadeite and Nephrite. Jadeite is usually a vivid green
color, and this is what Westerners are more familiar with. Nephrite comes in
many colors, one of which is a creamy white. This white jade is called “mutton-
fat jade” (羊脂玉) by the Chinese, and they consider it to be the most valuable
kind of jade.

Jade Emperor (玉皇 yù huáng ) (玉帝 yù dì ) – also known as the Celestial Emperor
(天帝). The Ruler of the Heavens and the Celestial Court. He is one of the most
important Daoist gods.

Kalpa (劫波 jiébō) – a Hindu/Buddhist term for an “Aeon”. A very very long period of
time, or the period of time between the creation and recreation of a world or universe.

Kasaya (袈裟 jiāshā) – the robes worn by Buddhist monks and nuns.

Killing Intent (煞气 shàqì) – a murderous aura which emits from a person when they
desire to harm someone. People who have experienced bloody battles and/or have
already killed others tend to have much stronger Killing Intent than an ordinary person.
Experts may be able to disguise their Killing Intent, as well as intentionally release it as
a form of mental attack.

King Yama (阎王 / 阎罗王) – also known as King Yan. The Ruler of the Underworld,
the Judge of the Dead, and the Overseer of the Cycle of Reincarnation. He is assisted
by (or is one of) 10 Yama-Kings who hold court in the Underworld and judge the souls
of the dead based on records of their past deeds. The Yama-Kings administer
punishments and determine how the souls will be reborn in their next lives.
▪ The Underworld (地狱 diyu) – also known as Hell, the Netherworld (冥界), or
the Yellow Springs (黄泉). There are said to be eighteen levels of the
Underworld, where sinners are punished prior to reincarnation.
▪ Ox-Head and Horse-Face (牛头马面) – two guardians who meet with the
newly dead and escort them through the Underworld.
▪ The Black and White Guards of Impermanence (黑白无常) – two deities
who serve as subordinates to King Yama and guardians of the Underworld.

Ksitigarbha / Kṣitigarbha (地藏 dì zàng ) – a great Bodhisattva who resides in the

Underworld and vowed to forego Buddhahood until all souls are saved (achieve
enlightenment). His name can mean “Earth Treasury”, “Earth Store”, “Earth Womb”, or
“the one who encompasses the earth”.

Kunlun (昆仑 / 昆仑山) – a mystical mountain in Chinese mythology. A dwelling place

of Gods, Immortals, and mythical creatures. Somewhat analogous to Hinduism’s/
Buddhism’s Sumeru. Not to be confused with the real-world Kunlun Mountains.
 27
Kowtow (叩头 kòutóu) – an act of deep respect shown by prostration. The highest
sign of reverence in Chinese culture. It involves kneeling and bowing so low as to have
one’s head touching the ground. The person kowtowing may also knock their head
repeatedly against the ground (to the point of injury), especially when they’re
desperately pleading for something or wish to show their utmost sincerity.

Laughing Buddha (布袋 bù dài) – a Buddha commonly depicted as a very fat and
jovial monk – symbolizing happiness, good fortune, and abundance. He is sometimes
conflated with the prophesized Maitreya Buddha, who is a savior-like figure and the
successor of Gautama Buddha.

Life Tablet (命简 mìng jiǎn ) – also known as a Life Slip. A magical item which is
intangibly connected to a cultivator. If the cultivator dies, their life tablet will
subsequently shatter – no matter how far away it is. In some novels, sects keep track
of their disciples’ statuses using life tablets.
▪ Life tablets are slightly similar to the spirit tablets used in ancestor veneration.

Longan (龙眼 lóngyǎn) – a type of fruit, also known as the “Dragon Eye Fruit”. Similar
to a Lychee. Medicinal pills in Chinese cultivation novels are sometimes described as
being “the size of a longan“.
▪ Related: “the size of a mung bean” & “the size of a soybean“

Lotus Flower (莲花 liánhuā) – symbolizes purity & enlightenment in Chinese culture.
Appears quite often in these novels.

Magic Power (法力 fǎlì) – basically a cultivator’s mana or spiritual energy.

Mantou (馒头 mántou) – a type of food. It’s a steamed bun.

Mantra (曼特罗 màntèluó) (咒語 zhòuyǔ) – a sacred utterance believed to have

spiritual power and chanted to assist in meditation. In cultivation novels, they typically
act as spells.

Mother-Child /  Mother-and-Child (子母 zǐmǔ) – a set of objects consisting of a

primary (mother) object and secondary/supporting (child) objects. In these novels, it is
generally used to refer to weapons. For example, Mother-Child Swords might consist
of a main sword paired with one or more lesser swords.

Mount Tai (泰山 tàishān) – a mountain in China, considered to be sacred.

Ceremonies and sacrifices have been performed there for thousands of years.
▪ There are several popular idioms which refer to Mount Tai. A few of them can
be found here.
 28
Mustard Seed (芥菜籽 jiè cài zǐ) – a tiny plant seed. In these novels, “Mustard Seed”
is sometimes mentioned in the context of storage treasures and dimensional spaces
(basically: pocket dimensions). The reason for this is explained here.

Nine Cauldrons (九鼎 jiǔ dǐng) – a set of nine ritual cauldrons which symbolized the
power and authority of the Emperor in ancient China. They were supposedly created
by Yu the Great, and subsequent Chinese Emperors used them in ceremonies for
ancestor worship. The Nine Cauldrons were lost at some point in history.

Nine Cycles (九转 jiǔ zhuàn ) – a term which basically means “Perfect”, “Complete”,
or “Consummate“. It’s occasionally included in the names of cultivation methods,
mystic arts, martial arts techniques, etc…
▪ 九转 is often translated in many different ways. Some examples include: “Nine
Circles”, “Nine Turns”, “Nine Rotations”, “Nine Revolutions”, or “Nine
Reversions”.

▪ This term is derived from ancient Daoist cultivation and internal alchemy. On the
path to immortality, Daoists commonly compared the refinement of the Golden
Elixir (金丹) and the cultivation of the Immortal Embryo (仙胎) to fetal
development and childbirth (example). Just like human fetuses require 9 months
of gestation to fully develop, ancient Daoists believed their cultivation would
require 9 cycles of transformations in order to reach a state of completeness
and perfection.

Nine Heavens (九天 jiǔ tiān ) – in ancient Chinese cosmology, the Heavens were
sometimes thought to be divided into 9 vertical layers, and the Ninth Heaven was
considered to be the Highest of the Heavens. Alternatively, the divisions were thought
to consist of the eight cardinal directions plus the center.

Nirvana (涅槃 nièpán) – a Buddhist term meaning “extinguished; blown out” (as in a
candle). It’s the realization of non-self and emptiness when a person achieves
Enlightenment, and it liberates the person from karmic bondage and the cycle of
reincarnation (samsara).
▪ With nirvana, the thing being extinguished is either the person’s sense of “self”
or the metaphorical “fire” which keeps the cycle of reincarnation turning.

Northern Dipper (北斗 běidǒu) – the Chinese name for the Big Dipper. In these
novels, the Dipper or the name of its stars are sometimes used in the names of sects,
formations, techniques, etc.
▪ The seven stars of the Northern Dipper are called the Celestial Pivot (天枢),
Celestial Rotating Jade (天璇), Celestial Shining Pearl (天机), Celestial Balance
(天权), Jade Sighting-Tube (玉衡), Opener of Heat (开阳), and Twinkling
Brilliance (摇光).
 29
Nuwa / Nüwa (女娲) – the goddess who created humanity in Chinese mythology.
She’s also famous for mending the Heavens after a war between two other gods
destabilized the world. Nuwa is the sister and wife of Fuxi, a god of invention and
civilization.

Other Shore (彼岸 bǐ’àn) – a Buddhist term referring to “perfection” (see: Paramita).
The etymology of the Sanskrit term can be taken to mean “that which goes beyond”
or “gone to the other side”. The idea is that achieving enlightenment is like crossing a
river and arriving on the opposite shore.

Pangu (盘古) – the creator of the universe in Chinese mythology. Pangu was born
from a cosmic egg in the primordial chaos. He then summoned a giant axe and
cleaved the chaos – separating Yin and Yang and creating order from chaos. Yin
formed the Earth, while Yang formed the Heavens. However, Pangu later died from his
exertion.

Parasol Tree (梧桐 wútóng) – also known as the Chinese Parasol Tree or the Wutong
Tree.  A type of tree which is widely-planted and considered beautiful and useful in
China. In mythology, Phoenixes like to nest in Wutong trees.
▪ “Phoenix” here refers more specifically to the Fenghuang (凤凰) and Luan (鸾)
Birds.

Pavilion (阁 gé) (亭 tíng) – a type of building. The pavilions in these novels probably
look more like this, rather than this.

Pagoda (塔 tǎ) – a tiered tower with multiple, prominent eaves. Often has a religious
function or is considered sacred.

Peacock Plume (孔雀翎 kǒng què líng ) – also known as the Peacock Feather. A
famous hidden weapon (暗器) which resembles a tail feather of a peacock. It’s a
projectile weapon often described as being dazzlingly beautiful and containing a lethal
poison. It appears in many novels (even non-Wuxia).

Phoenix Eyes (丹凤眼 dānfèng yǎn) – also known as Red Phoenix Eyes. An eye
shape in which the outer corners of the eyes incline upwards. They are considered
striking, beautiful, and alluring.

Pipa (琵琶 pípa) – a musical stringed instrument. Sometimes translated as “Lute”.

Practitioner (武者 wǔzhě) – roughly means “martial person” … in other words, a

Warrior or Martial Artist.
▪ In some novels, Practitioners are distinguished from Cultivators (武者 vs 修者,
wuzhe vs xiuzhe). When this is the case, Practitioners are portrayed as mere
 30
mortals who train their bodies and martial arts using mundane methods, while
Cultivators train using mystical methods and can potentially ascend to
immortality.

Pure Land (淨土 jìngtǔ) – a Buddhist term for a sacred or holy land, typically the
abode of a Buddha or Bodhisattva. Pure Lands are somewhat similar to the Secret
Realms seen in cultivation novels.

Purple Qi from the East (紫气东来 zǐqì dōng lái) – also known as Violet Qi from the
East. A profound spiritual energy and supernatural phenomenon closely linked to
Daoism.

Qing (青) – sometimes called “grue” or blue-green in English. Qing is the color of
nature. It can be Green, Blue, or Black… the specific color it refers to changes based
on context. In most cases (particularly with plants/vegetation), it’s Green. When
referring to the sky, it’s Blue. When referring to hair or eyes, it’s Black (or “Dark”).
These are just a few examples.

Realgar (雄黄 xiónghuáng) – a toxic mineral. In ancient China, realgar powder was
frequently sprinkled around houses to repel pests (like snakes, rats, and insects).
Because it was believed to have the power to “ward off evil”, people would sometimes
drink realgar wine or use realgar as medicine… not knowing that it was actually toxic.

Refining (炼 liàn) – a term which appears extremely frequently. Cultivators sometimes

seem obsessed with refining just about everything – pills, treasures, Qi, and even
themselves! This stems from Chinese alchemy, where it was believed that materials
which underwent multiple refinements would gain spiritual value and slowly grow
closer to the Dao and perfection.

Robes (袍 páo) – the characters in these novels usually wear robes, as was the norm
in ancient China. Cultivators are often said to wear Scholar / Daoist robes (道袍).
Martial artists are frequently depicted wearing Tang suits (唐装).

Samadhi / Samādhi (三昧 sānmèi) – the Sanskrit word for “Concentration” (related to
Meditation) brought to China via Buddhism.
▪ Samadhi True Fire (三昧眞火) is a reference to the mystical and
inextinguishable flame of the character Red Boy from Journey to the West.

Samsara / Saṃsāra (轮回 lúnhuí) – the Buddhist term for the cycle of reincarnation,
in which all living beings are trapped in suffering. Escape is only possible through
enlightenment and attaining nirvana.
 31
Sandalwood (檀 tán) – a type of wood popular for its fragrance. It’s commonly used
in religious ceremonies and by monks as a meditation aid.

Scholartree / Scholar Tree (槐 huái) (槐树 huáishù) – a type of tree considered

auspicious. In the past, many Scholartrees were planted in the Imperial Palace, and
the Emperor and his officials would often have discussions under their shade.

Scroll Painting (图轴 túzhóu) – a painting on a scroll. Ink landscape paintings are
particularly iconic. Handscrolls and Hanging scrolls are two of the main types of scroll
paintings.

Sea of Bitterness (苦海 kǔhǎi) – a Buddhist term used to describe the mortal world,
which Buddhists see as metaphorically drowning in suffering (Dukkha).

Secret Realm (密境 mìjìng) – a minor world/land which is partitioned off from the rest
of the mortal world (usually in a separate dimension with a hidden entrance
connecting the two). In these novels, cultivators often attempt to find Secret Realms
and raid them for the rare treasures, herbs, and beasts within.

Sedan Chair (舆 yú) (轿 jiào) – also translated as a “Litter” or “Palanquin”. A seat or

carriage carried on poles by people as a means of transportation. Used mostly by the
elite of society, who would sit or lay in it and have their servants carry them around.

Shaolin Sect (少林派 shào lín pài ) – a fictional Buddhist martial arts sect which
appears in many Wuxia novels. It’s based on the real-life Shaolin Temple (少林寺). It’s
commonly portrayed as one of the largest and most powerful orthodox sects.

Spiritual Sense (灵识 língshí) – also known as “Consciousness” or Divine Sense (神

识 shénshí). An ability possessed by cultivators to scan their surroundings (far beyond
the limits of their ordinary 5 senses) with their spirit. The distance/total area they can
scan corresponds to the strength of their spirit. Also used in some novels to remotely
control magical items such as Flying Swords.

Stele (碑 bēi) (石碑 shíbēi) – a rectangular tablet with inscriptions on it, often erected
at tombs or temples. They act as gravestones or are meant to commemorate
something.

Stone-lock (石锁 shísuǒ) – a type of weight, similar to a dumbbell, used for strength-
training exercises.

Sumeru (须弥 xūmí) (须弥山 xūmíshān) – a sacred, cosmic mountain in Hinduism and
Buddhism.
 32
Sun Wukong (孙悟空) – also known as the Monkey King (猴王) or the Great Sage
Equal to Heaven (齐天大圣). A mythological monkey with incredible strength, speed,
and supernatural powers. His name means “Monkey Awakened to Emptiness”. Sun
Wukong is a very famous trickster figure best known for his role in the novel Journey
to the West, where he accompanied and protected the monk Tang Sanzang during
the eponymous journey.
▪ Ruyi Jingu Bang (如意金箍棒) – the legendary weapon of the Monkey King. It
can be translated as the “Compliant Gold-banded Staff“. It’s an immensely
heavy staff which can make copies of itself and can magically expand or
contract (in both length and width) according to the wishes of the user. It was
supposedly originally used by Yu the Great to measure the depths of the sea
and flood waters. When Sun Wukong isn’t fighting with it, he normally shrinks it
down to the size of a needle and tucks it behind his ear.

Sunflower Manual (葵花宝典 kuí huā bǎo diǎn ) – an infamous martial arts manual
which requires practitioners to castrate themselves before they can begin training. In
The Smiling Proud Wanderer, Dongfang Bubai (“the Invincible of the East”) became
the most powerful martial artist in the world after mastering its secrets. The Sunflower
Manual is referenced in many other novels as well.

Sword Embryo (剑胎 jiàntāi) (剑胚 jiànpēi) – known in English as a “Sword Billet“. The
unfinished blade of a sword, often still undergoing the forging/smithing process.

Sword Intent (剑意 jiànyì) – somewhat similar to Killing Intent. A dangerous aura
emitted from a sword or master swordsman which causes others to feel as if they’re
about to be cut by a sword. In some novels, experts can even create physical
manifestations (consisting of energy and their knowledge of sword-arts) with their
Sword Intent, and this can be used to attack their foes.

Sword-light (剑光 jiànguāng) – also translated as a Sword Ray. A dazzling, powerful

energy attack released from the edge of a blade. Forming Swordlight generally
requires a profound cultivation base and a deep mastery of swordsmanship.
▪ Sword Energy (剑气 jianqi) is basically the same as Swordlight.

Taiji (太极 tàijí) – sometimes translated as the “Supreme Ultimate” or “Supreme

Polarity”. Taiji is the cosmological term for the “oneness before duality” in the
primordial universe. Daoists claim that Taiji (the initial singularity) birthed Yin and Yang.
And from the intermingling of Yin and Yang, everything in the universe eventually came
into being.
▪ The famous martial art Tai Chi is named after this term.
▪ Modern Taiji philosophy emphasizes the importance of balancing and
harmonizing Yin and Yang. The “Yin-Yang Symbol” that most people imagine
when they think of Daoism is actually a Taiji diagram.
 33
Tang Clan (唐门 táng mén ) – also known as the Tang Sect. A fictional martial arts
clan which appears in several novels. Their members usually bear the “Tang”
surname. The Tang Clan specializes in poisons and hidden weapons (暗器). They’re
said to be located in Sichuan Province.

Three Treasures (三宝 sān bǎo) – Essence, Qi, and Spirit. Three essential energies
which are thought to sustain life. The term “Three Treasures” (三宝) can also refer to
the Three Treasures of Daoism or Buddhism, but this isn’t as commonly seen in
Chinese webnovels.
▪ Essence (精 jing) – basically “lifeblood”.
▪ Qi (气 qi) – basically “spiritual energy” or “the breath of life”.
▪ Spirit (神 shen) – basically “the mind” or “consciousness”.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (中医 zhōngyī) – medical knowledge, skills, and

practices which were used in China for thousands of years prior to the arrival of
Western medicine. TCM is still widely-practiced today, although much of it is now
considered to be alternative medicine. Herbal remedies, Acupuncture, and
Moxibustion were commonly used in TCM.
▪ The doctors in Wuxia / Xianxia / Xuanhuan novels often diagnose patients
simply by reading their pulse, use needles to treat all kinds of illnesses, and
prescribe herbs and elixirs to patients. This all comes from TCM.

Triangular Eyes (三角眼 sānjiǎo yǎn) – eyes which are shaped vaguely like triangles.
Triangle Eyes are sometimes considered to be ugly or shifty, as opposed to Phoenix
Eyes (丹凤眼) which are considered to be beautiful and alluring.

Turtle Breathing Art (龟息功 guīxīgōng) (龟息大法 guīxīdàfǎ) – also called the Turtle
Breathing Method. A fictional martial arts technique used to restrain one’s breath and
reduce one’s heartbeat. It’s a powerful concealing technique which can even allow the
user to feign death.

Twenty-Eight Mansions (二十八宿 èrshí bāxiù) – part of the Chinese constellation

system. Ancient Chinese astronomers divided the night sky into four regions, each
named after one of the four divine beasts (Azure Dragon, Black Tortoise, White Tiger,
and Vermilion Bird). Each of the four regions has seven mansions, for a total of twenty-
eight mansions. These mansions were used to track the Moon’s movement in its orbit
around Earth.

Vajra (金刚 jīngāng) – means both “Thunderbolt” and “Diamond”. The Vajra
symbolizes Irresistible Force (thunderbolt) and Indestructibility (diamond). In Hinduism,
the Vajra is the invincible weapon of the chief god Indra, who uses it to slay sinners
and ignorant people. In Buddhism, the Vajra symbolizes Bodhi (enlightenment), which
can descend on a person like a thunderbolt and pierce through all ignorance.
 34

▪ The weapon form of the Vajra (金钢杵) is commonly called the Vajra Scepter,
Vajra Pestle, or Thunderbolt Mace.

Weiqi (围棋 wéiqí) – means “encircling game”. A strategic board game played on a
grid with white and black game pieces (stones). Sometimes translated as Chess or
Chinese Chess, but it is better known by the Japanese name for the game: “Go”. It
should not be confused with the other game of Chess.

Wooden Fish (木鱼 mùyú) – a musical percussion instrument. Often used by

Buddhist or Daoist monks during their rituals.

Wudang Sect (武当派) – a fictional Daoist martial arts sect which appears in many
Wuxia novels. It’s located in and takes its name from the Wudang Mountains.

Wuji (无极 wújí) – sometimes translated as “Without Ultimate” or “Without Polarity”.

Wuji is the cosmological term for the nothingness prior to the birth of all things in the
universe. Daoists claim that from the Nothingness (Wuji) came Oneness (the Taiji
singularity), which in turn birthed the Duality of Yin and Yang, which then intermingled
to form all things.

Young Master (少爷 shàoye) (公子 gōngzǐ) – a form of address for the son of an
important person (such as an official, a noble, or a boss). In these novels, a common
trope has the main character unintentionally offend an arrogant and spoiled young
master, who then becomes an antagonist. The young master inevitably draws his
family or backers into the conflict when he fails to defeat the main character.
▪ Other terms of address commonly used in Chinese cultivation & martial arts
novels can be found here.

Zhoutian (周天 zhōutiān) – sometimes translated as “Universe” or “Cosmic Orbit”. It’s

an obscure Daoist term relating to the methods of Qi Circulation. Daoists in ancient
times took inspiration from the movements and cycles of the Sun, Moon, and Stars.
They then started practicing certain meditation and breathing exercises, which they
believed would allow them to control the flow of Qi through their meridians (in imitation
of the movements of celestial bodies).
▪ Microcosmic Orbit (xiǎo zhōutiān) – also called a “Small Universe”. This is a
basic form of Qi Circulation, wherein the practitioner controls their Qi to flow
from the Dantian, through the Governing Vessel, through the Conception
Vessel, and back into the Dantian in a full circuit. The Qi is purified during this
process.
▪ Macrocosmic Orbit (大周天 dà zhōutiān) – also called a “Big Universe”. This is
an advanced form of Qi Circulation, wherein the practitioner controls their Qi to
flow from the Dantian, through all Eight Extraordinary Meridians and throughout
their entire body, and then back into the Dantian. This is supposedly more
effective, but also much more difficult.
 35

Zither (琴 qin) (古琴 guqin) – a musical stringed instrument. Sometimes translated as

“Lute”. The Se (瑟) and Guzheng (古箏) are similar and are also commonly translated
as Zither.
 36
Terms of Address in Wuxia, Xianxia & Xuanhuan Novels

Family

In Chinese culture, some of the terms of address for family members (“brother/sister”,
“uncle/aunt”, etc…) can also be used for friends, neighbors, and even strangers.
Naturally, these terms appear very frequently in Wuxia, Xianxia & Xuanhuan novels,
and it can be confusing for new readers to see the characters refer to anyone and
everyone using these kinship terms.

The important thing to remember is that just because a character calls someone else
their “brother”, “aunt”, etc… it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re blood-related. It’s
possible that the speaker is just being polite or affectionate by using these terms.

The following table is not a comprehensive list of the kinship terms.

PINYIN HANZI TRANSLATION ALTERNATIVES

Shushu 叔叔 Uncle –

Ayi 阿姨 Aunt Auntie, Aunty

Xiongdi 兄弟 Brother –

Dage 大哥 Big Brother Boss, Eldest Brother, Big Bro

Ge / Gege / Xiong 哥 / 哥哥 / 兄 Elder Brother Older Brother, Big Brother, Big Bro

Di / Didi 弟 / 弟弟 Younger Brother Little Brother

Jiemei 姐妹 Sister –

Dajie 大姐 Big Sister Eldest Sister, Big Sis

Jie / Jiejie 姐 / 姐姐 Elder Sister Older Sister, Big Sister, Big Sis

Mei / Meimei 妹 / 妹妹 Younger Sister Little Sister

Xiaojie 小姐 Miss –
 37
NOTES

Shushu 叔叔 (Uncle) – literally translates as “father’s younger brother”. Used to politely

address men much older than the speaker.

Ayi 阿姨 (Aunt) – literally translates as “mother’s sister”. Used to politely address

women much older than the speaker.

Xiongdi 兄弟 (Brother) – Men commonly call their male comrades / close friends their
“Brothers”.

Dage 大哥 (Big Brother) – used to politely address men around the same age or older
than the speaker (but not old enough to be considered an “Uncle”). Translated as
“Boss” when referring to a leader, especially a leader of a group of male friends or of a
criminal organization. Used alternatively with Laoda (老大) in this context.

Dajie 大姐 (Big Sister) – used to politely address women around the same age or older
than the speaker (but not old enough to be considered an “Aunt”).

Xiaojie 小姐 (Miss) – literally translates as “little elder sister”. A somewhat antiquated

term of address for young ladies.

To give some examples of how these are used:

▪ Two male neighbors named Tang Ping 唐平 (age 32) and Shen Hu 沈虎 (age
36) could call each other Brother Tang 唐兄弟 and Elder Brother Shen 沈兄.
▪ Two close friends (or a romantic couple) named Ren Hui 任辉 (male, age 19)
and Li Lan 黎兰 (female, age 17) could call each other Big Brother Hui 辉哥哥
and Little Sister Lan 兰妹妹.
▪ A traveler (age 25) asking a random middle-aged woman for directions could
address her as Auntie 阿姨. But if he wanted to flatter her or be especially
polite, he might instead address her as Big Sister 大姐.

In groups of people (and especially in families), the members are sometimes

distinguished and addressed according to age/rank, rather than by name.
Examples:
▪ In a group of male friends, they can call each other Boss / Big Bro 大哥,
Second Bro 二哥, Third Bro 三哥, Fourth Bro 四哥, Fifth Bro 五哥, etc etc…
This could be according to birth order or their social ranking within the group.
▪ If someone has several uncles, they can simply be referred to as First Uncle 大
舅, Second Uncle 二舅, Third Uncle 三舅, etc etc… This is according to their
birth order.
▪ If someone has five daughters, they can be referred to as Eldest Daughter 大女
儿, Second Daughter 二女儿, Third Daughter 三女儿, Fourth Daughter 四女儿,
and Youngest Daughter 小女儿. This is also according to their birth order.
 38
Martial Family

In martial sects and similar organizations, younger disciples often directly apprentice
themselves to an elder. The relationship between Master and Apprentice is deep, akin
to Parent-and-Child… and the terms of address within a sect reflect this.
Note: Even disciples without masters still use the following terms.

PINYIN HANZI TRANSLATIO ALTERNATIVES NOTES

N
Shigong 师公 / Grandmaster Martial Grandfather lit. “teacher grandfather”
/ Shiye
师爷

Shifu 师父 / Master – lit. “teacher father”

师傅

Shibo / 师伯 / Martial Uncle Uncle-Master lit. “teacher father’s elder

Shishu brother” / “teacher father’s
师叔
younger brother”

Shigu 师姑 Martial Aunt Aunt-Master lit. “teacher father’s sister”

Shizhi 师侄 Martial Apprentice-Nephew / lit. “teacher nephew”

Nephew / Apprentice-Niece
Martial Niece

Shixiong 师兄 / Senior Brother Senior Martial Brother, lit. “teacher elder brother”
/ Shige Senior Apprentice-
师哥
Brother

Shidi 师弟 Junior Brother Junior Martial Brother, lit. “teacher younger brother”
Junior Apprentice-Brother

Shijie 师姐 Senior Sister Senior Martial Sister, lit. “teacher elder sister”
Senior Apprentice-Sister

Shimei 师妹 Junior Sister Junior Martial Sister, lit. “teacher younger sister”
Junior Apprentice-Sister
 39
ADDITIONAL NOTES

Shishu 师叔 (Martial Uncle) – Despite the literal translation, this term is also commonly
used to refer to Martial Aunts.

Shizhi 师侄 (Martial Nephew) – Despite the literal translation, this single term is used for
both Martial Nephews & Martial Nieces

In other words:
▪ Your master is your “father”. Expanding from there, your master’s master is your
“grandfather”. Your peers in the sect are your “brothers” and “sisters”. Your
master’s peers are his siblings, making them your “aunts” and “uncles”. And
when your peers (brothers/sisters) one day take on apprentices of their own,
those apprentices will be your “nieces” and “nephews”.
 40
Miscellaneous

Senior (前辈 qiánbèi) – a term of address for members of an elder generation.

Junior (晚辈 wǎnbèi) – a term of address for members of a younger generation.

▪ These two terms are relative. A person’s “seniority” in comparison to someone
else is often determined by age, but social status, expertise, and other factors
also play a role. For example, an expert in a field of study would likely be
addressed as “Senior” by a novice in the field, even if the novice is older than
the expert. And in a company or organization, higher-ranking members/
employees are typically Seniors while those beneath them are Juniors.

Lao (老) – means “old/venerable”. Translated as Elder. Appended to a person’s

surname to show respect.
▪ Example: Someone named Zhao Wei 赵伟 could be called Elder Zhao 赵老.

Xiao (小) – means “small/young”. Translated as Little. Appended to a person’s given

name to show familiarity & affection.
▪ Example: Someone named Yao Fang 姚芳 could be called Little Fang 小芳.

Er (儿) – means “child”. A diminutive suffix sometimes appended to the given names
of children or close friends. Considered cute/endearing.
▪ Example: Someone named Liu Yan 刘艳 could be called Yan’er 艳儿.

Fatty (胖子 pàngzi) – literally “fat person”. Appended to an obese person’s name as
an epithet, usually by friends. At least in ancient China, this wasn’t necessarily an
insult. Fatness symbolized wealth, prosperity, happiness, and strength. (Since
someone who was fat probably wasn’t an impoverished and starving peasant…)
▪ Example: Someone named Song Xiang 宋翔 could be called Fatty Song 宋胖
子.
 41
Chinese Bestiary

A partial list of Chinese mythological creatures which have appeared in Xianxia and
Xuanhuan novels.
This Bestiary is meant to complement the Beings & Creatures section of the main
glossary.

Dragon (龙 lóng) – a mythical, chimeric creature of utmost importance in Chinese

mythology and culture. It represents Yang, the Chinese Emperor, masculinity, imperial
power, transformation, good fortune, and much more. Dragons wield tremendous
power over the natural world and are particularly adept at controlling water and the
weather.
▪ Chinese Dragons are quite different from Western Dragons.
▪ Chinese Dragons have the physical attributes of many different animals, some
of which include a camel’s head, a snake’s body, a carp’s scales, a catfish’s
whiskers, a stag’s antlers, an eagle’s talons, etc…
▪ Dragons are sometimes divided into four categories: Jiaolong (蛟龙) which are
scaled dragons, Yinglong (应龙) which are winged dragons, Qiulong (虬龙)
which are horned dragons, and Chilong (螭龙) which are hornless dragons.

Phoenix (凤凰 fènghuáng) – also known as the Fenghuang. A mythical bird of great
importance in Chinese mythology and culture. It represents Yin, the Chinese Empress,
femininity, virtue, and good fortune.
▪ Although it’s commonly translated as “Phoenix”, the Fenghuang is quite
different from a Western Phoenix.
▪ The Fenghuang looks like a pheasant with five-colored plumage and the tail
feathers of a peacock.

The Four Divine Beasts (四神兽 sì shénshòu) (四大神兽) – also known as the Four
Symbols (四象). They hold great significance in Chinese cosmology, with each beast
representing a Cardinal Direction, a Season, and an Element.
▪ Azure Dragon (青龙 qīnglóng) – represents the East, Spring, and the Wood
element.
▪ White Tiger (白虎 báihǔ) – represents the West, Autumn, and the Metal
element.
▪ Black Tortoise (玄武 xuánwǔ) – represents the North, Winter, and the Water
element. It’s also known as the Turtle-Snake (龟蛇), and it looks like a tortoise
entwined with a snake. The Black Tortoise is closely connected to the warrior
god Xuanwu.
▪ Vermilion Bird (朱雀 zhūquè) – represents the South, Summer, and the Fire
element. It looks like a red pheasant, although sometimes it’s depicted with
multi-colored plumage. It shouldn’t be confused with the Chinese Phoenix.
 42
Yellow Dragon (黄龙 huánglóng) – a deity which is sometimes included as a “Fifth”
Divine Beast. It represents the Center of the Universe, the Changing of Seasons, and
the Earth element.
▪ In mythology, the Yellow Dragon is an incarnation of the Yellow Emperor – the
reputed ancestor of the Chinese people.

The Four Auspicious Beasts (四瑞兽 sì ruìshòu) – also known as the Four Divinities
(四灵). A revered group of animals which symbolize prosperity and longevity. They are
the Dragon, Phoenix, Qilin, and Tortoise.
▪ The Four Auspicious Beasts are sometimes said to be the rulers of all other
animals. Dragons rule over animals with scales, Phoenixes rule over animals
with feathers, Qilins rule over animals with fur or hair, and Tortoises rule over
animals with shells.

Qilin (麒麟 qílín) – also known as Kylin, Kirin, or the Chinese Unicorn. A divine and
auspicious beast, sometimes described as looking like a hybrid of a dragon and a
deer or horse. Known for its great wisdom, nobility, benevolence, and magical
powers.
▪ Qilin is sometimes translated as “Unicorn”, but it’s different from Western
Unicorns. However, they’re similar in that they’re both good and “pure”
creatures. Also, Qilin horns and Unicorn horns are both considered to be very
rare and magical.

Dragon King (龙王 lóng wáng) – the supreme Chinese Dragon. An extraordinarily
powerful water and weather deity. The Dragon Kings of the Four Seas (四海龙王) are
said to be its incarnations.

The Nine Sons of the Dragon (龙生九子 lóng shēng jiǔzǐ) – according to legend, the
Dragon King has nine offspring, and they each have very distinct appearances and
personalities. There are more than nine creatures listed below because not all sources
agree on which creatures make up the set of “Nine Sons”.
▪ Qiuniu (囚牛) – looks like a small yellow dragon. Known for its love of music.
▪ Yazi (睚眦) – looks like a hybrid of a dragon and leopard. Known for its bad
temper and love of fighting.
▪ Chaofeng (嘲风) – looks like a savage beast. Known for its fearlessness and
love of high places.
▪ Pulao (蒲牢) – looks like a small dragon. Known for its love of roaring.
▪ Suanni (狻猊) – also called the Suanni Lion. It looks like a hybrid of a dragon
and lion. Known for its fierce appearance and love of tranquility and burning
incense.
▪ Bixi (赑屃) or Baxia (霸下) – looks like a hybrid of a dragon and tortoise. Known
for its great strength and love of carrying heavy objects (often stone steles) on
its back.
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▪ Bi’an (狴犴) – also called the Bi’an Tiger. It looks like a hybrid of a dragon and
tiger. Known for its awe-inspiring presence and love of justice and
righteousness.
▪ Fuxi (负屃) – looks like a dragon. Known for its love of literature and calligraphy.
▪ Chiwen (螭吻 / 鸱吻) – looks like a hybrid of a dragon and fish. Known for its
love of swallowing things and its power over water. It can suppress evil and
extinguish fires.
▪ Gongfu (蚣蝮) – looks somewhat like a dragon. Known for its love of swimming
and its power over flood waters.
▪ Jiaotu (椒图) – looks like a hybrid of a dragon and a snail or clam. Known for its
love of solitude.
▪ The Qilin, Pixiu, Hou, and Taotie are also sometimes counted among the Nine
Sons of the Dragon, but they have separate entries in this bestiary.

Torch Dragon (烛龙 zhúlóng) – also known as Zhulong or the Candle Dragon. A deity
with a human face and a long, serpentine body. It can control day and night simply by
opening or closing its eyes. It can also control the weather simply by breathing.

Flying Raindragon (应龙 yìnglóng) – also known as Yinglong or the Responding

Dragon. A very powerful, winged dragon with power over rain.
▪ In mythology, the Raindragon was a servant of the Yellow Emperor, assisted Yu
the Great in taming the floods, and is sometimes credited with killing Chiyou
and Kuafu.
▪ It’s called the “Responding Dragon” because it responds to the prayers of
people wishing for rain.

Flood Dragon (蛟 jiāo) (蛟龙 jiāolóng) – also known as Jiao or Jiaolong. An aquatic
dragon with power over storms and floods. Sometimes associated with crocodiles.

Coiling Dragon (蟠龙 pánlóng) – also known as Panlong or the Coiled Dragon. An
aquatic dragon similar to a Flood Dragon.

Soaring Dragon (飞龙 fēilóng) – also known as Feilong or the Flying Dragon. A type
of dragon which flies among the clouds. The term “Soaring Dragon” is also used to
refer to very talented people.

Golden Crow (金乌 jīnwū) – also known as the Sun Crow (阳乌) or the Three-legged
Crow (三足乌). A divine beast which symbolizes fire and the Sun.
▪ In mythology, there were originally ten Suns in the form of ten Golden Crows.
They one day went on a rampage and scorched the earth, which led to the
godly archer Houyi slaying nine of them to put an end to the crisis.
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Jade Rabbit (玉兔 yùtù) – also known as the Moon Rabbit (月兔). A divine beast
which symbolizes the Moon.
▪ In mythology, it’s a rabbit that lives on the moon. It accompanies the moon
goddess Chang’e and produces the elixir of life by pounding medicinal herbs.

Heavenly Dog (天狗 tiāngǒu) – also known as Tiangou or the Celestial Dog. In
mythology, it’s a black dog which caused eclipses by trying to eat the sun and moon.
People would customarily beat on gongs and set off firecrackers during an eclipse in
order to scare the Heavenly Dog away.
▪ The Heavenly Dog is possibly associated with the star Sirius, which is called the
Dog Star in many different cultures. In China, the star is called 天狼 = the
Celestial Wolf, Heavenly Wolf, or Sky Wolf.

Fox Spirit (狐狸精 húlijīng) – also known as a Fox Demon (狐妖). A mythical fox that
has gained spiritual awareness and magical powers, usually by absorbing the natural
energy of the world over many years. Some Fox Demons are capable of assuming a
human form, and the malicious ones will transform into beautiful women in order to
seduce and devour men. [Picture]
▪ Nine-tailed Fox (九尾狐 jiǔwěihú) – an especially powerful Fox Demon.
Generally, Fox Demons will gain additional tails as they grow older and more
powerful, with a total of nine tails being the maximum number.

Xiezhi (獬豸 xièzhì) – a mythical beast somewhat similar to the Qilin, but with only a
single horn on its head. The Xiezhi symbolizes justice and can magically distinguish
between good and evil, truth and lies, the innocent and the guilty. When faced with a
wicked person, it will gore them with its horn and then devour them.

Pixiu (貔貅 píxiū) – an auspicious beast which looks like a winged lion with the head
of a dragon. It has great powers of luck, being capable of attracting wealth to itself
while warding off evil.
▪ In some accounts, there are two different types of Pixiu: the Tianlu (天祿) which
has one horn and can attract wealth, and the Bixie (辟邪) which has two horns
and can ward off evil.

Guardian Lions (石狮 shíshī) (石狮子) – also known as Guardian Stone Lions.
Mystical beasts which guard temples, homes, and other buildings. They always come
in pairs: male and female, representing Yin and Yang. They have protective powers
and a connection to Buddhism.

Baize Lion (白泽 báizé) – also called the Beast of the White Marsh. An auspicious
beast which can speak human languages and is known for its great wisdom. It looks
like a white lion with horns and (sometimes) multiple sets of eyes.
▪ “Baize” literally means “White Marsh”.
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▪ In mythology, the Baize taught the Yellow Emperor about all the supernatural
creatures in the world and how to overcome them.

Dragon Turtle (龙龟 lóngguī) – an auspicious beast which looks like a hybrid of a
dragon and a turtle.

Dragon Horse (龙马 lóngmǎ) – also known as Longma. A wise, auspicious beast
which looks like a hybrid of a dragon and a horse. It’s somewhat similar to the Qilin.
▪ In mythology, Fuxi is said to have learned the Eight Trigrams (Bagua) from a
Dragon Horse.

Thousand Li Horse (千里马 qiānlǐmǎ) – a mythical horse which can run a thousand li
(roughly 400 km or 250 miles) in a single day. Sometimes said to possess wings. This
term is also used to refer to any fine horse in general.
▪ The Heavenly Horse (天马 tiānmǎ) is a similar creature.

Ba Serpent (巴蛇 bāshé) – also known as the Bashe. A mythical giant snake which
can swallow elephants whole.

Feiyi Snake (肥遗 féiyí) – a mythical snake with a single head and two bodies.
Drought occurs wherever it appears.

Zhuyan Ape (朱厌 zhūyàn) – a mythical ape with a white head and red legs. War
breaks out wherever it appears.

Zhujian Leopard (诸犍 zhūjiān) – a mythical beast which resembles a leopard. It has
a single eye, a long tail, and the ears of an ox. Known for its great strength and loud
roaring.

Kui Beast (夔 / 夔兽 kuíshòu) – a one-legged mountain demon which resembles an

ox.

Hou (犼) – also known as the Denglong (蹬龙). A fierce, chimeric creature which has a
habit of being a guardian. It is sometimes said to be the mount of Bodhisattva
Guanyin.

Peng (鹏 péng) – also known as the Kunpeng (鲲鹏) or Golden-winged Great Peng
(金翅大鹏). An unfathomably gigantic bird which transforms from a fish. Just by
spreading its wings, it can shroud the heavens. And with a single flap, it can travel
vast distances.
▪ The fish is the Kun, the bird is the Peng, and together they are called the
Kunpeng.
 46
▪ The Peng is often conflated with the Roc and the Garuda – two other gigantic,
mythical birds of prey.

Luan Bird (鸾 luán) (鸾鸟 luánniǎo) – a mythical bird related to the Fenghuang
(Phoenix). For this reason, it’s also called a Phoenix at times. The Luan’s plumage is
blue, as opposed to the red or multi-colored plumage of the Fenghuang.
▪ Luan Birds are sometimes said to serve as the mounts or messengers of the
gods. For example, the Qingniao (“Blue Birds”) belonging to the Queen Mother
of the West are supposedly Luan Birds.

Nine-headed Bird (九头鸟 jiǔ tóu niǎo) – also known as the Nine Phoenix (九凤
jiǔfèng) or Nine-headed Phoenix. A mythical bird distantly related to the Fenghuang
(Phoenix). Its nine heads are depicted as either bird or human heads.

Jian Bird (鹣 jiān) – a mythical bird with only one eye and one wing. Jian Birds survive
by joining in pairs (鹣鹣), and this mutual dependence symbolizes the bond between a
husband and wife.

Bifang Crane (毕方 bìfāng) (必方) – a mythical fire bird. It resembles a Red-crowned
Crane, but only has a single leg. The name “Bifang” is supposedly an onomatopoeia
for the sound of wood crackling in a fire. They are considered to be ominous, with
sightings of Bifang Cranes heralding disastrous wildfires.

The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils (天龙八部) – eight races of deities from Buddhist
cosmology, sometimes said to be protectors of Buddhism. Although they are much
more powerful and long-lived than humans, they too are trapped in the cycle of
reincarnation (samsara). A famous Wuxia novel was inspired by and named after these
deities.
▪ Deva (天人) (天众) – heavenly beings. They are said to be the highest and most
blessed lifeforms in the Three Realms.
▪ Naga (那伽) (龙众) – dragon-like or serpent-like beings. They are sometimes
said to live in the seas and to have powers over water. They have great enmity
with the Garudas.
▪ Yaksha (夜叉) – demonic beings that eat human flesh. Interestingly, they are
also sometimes said to be benevolent nature spirits. Possibly related to
Rakshasas.
▪ Gandharva (乾闼婆) (乾达婆) – heavenly beings known for their skill as
musicians. They consume fragrances (especially from incense) instead of
ordinary food.
▪ Asura (修罗) (阿修罗) – also known as Shura or Ashura. Warlike beings
commonly depicted with three heads and six arms. Well-known for their anger,
belligerence, and great strength. They once warred with the Devas and were
cast out of the Heavens.
 47

▪ Garuda (迦楼罗) – gigantic bird-like beings which hunt Nagas. Garudas are
often conflated with Rocs and Pengs.
▪ Kinnara (紧那罗) – heavenly beings sometimes depicted as half-human and
half-bird. Known for their skill in singing and dancing.
▪ Mahoraga (摩睺罗伽) (摩睺罗迦) – serpent-like beings which live beneath the
earth.

Rakshasa (罗刹 luóchà) – also known as Raksha or Luocha. Ugly, demonic beings
which eat human flesh. Often said to be shapeshifters with powers of illusion. They
may belong to the same species as Yakshas, with Rakshasas being the evil nature
spirits and Yakshas being the good nature spirits. They are also sometimes
considered to be related to Asuras.

Hungry Ghosts (饿鬼 èguǐ) – also known as Preta. Tormented spirits which suffer
from insatiable hunger, often depicted with distended bellies. Born from the souls of
people who were excessively greedy or miserly in life. Alternatively, born from the
souls of people who’ve been forgotten by their descendants (and thus no longer
receive offerings through ancestor worship).

The Four Fiends (四凶 sìxiōng) – in mythology, a group of monsters which were
banished by Emperor Shun to bring order to human society.
▪ Hundun (混沌) – represents Chaos. It’s a faceless being, sometimes described
as resembling a dog or bear. It attacks the virtuous and obeys the commands
of the wicked. “Hundun” is also the name of the Primordial Chaos in Chinese
mythology.
▪ Taotie (饕餮) – represents Gluttony. It has no body, only the head of a ferocious
beast. It seeks to devour everything.
▪ Taowu (梼杌) – represents Ignorance. Sometimes described as resembling a
tiger or boar. It spreads ignorance among humans.
▪ Qiongqi (穷奇): represents Deviousness. It looks like a winged tiger. It eats
people, instigates wars, and commits many other evil deeds.

The Five Venoms (五毒 wǔdú) – also known as the Five Poisons. A group of
venomous/poisonous creatures which are occasionally mentioned in  Traditional
Chinese medicine, in martial arts techniques, or as a component of charms and
amulets. The group consists of the Centipede, Snake, Scorpion, Toad, and Lizard.
The Spider sometimes replaces the Lizard, since Lizards aren’t actually venomous.
▪ The Five Venoms are used in Chinese charms and amulets based on the
concept of “fighting poison with poison” (以毒攻毒). The idea is that a charm
bearing the image of the Five Venoms should be effective in warding off pests,
evil spirits, and other sources of poison.
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Gu Insects (蛊 gǔ) (蛊虫 gǔchóng) – also known as Gu-Bugs. Demonic creatures
born from Gu Sorcery. They possess terrifying venom/poison.

Jiangshi (僵尸 jiāngshī) – also known as a Hopping Corpse or Chinese Vampire. A

reanimated corpse which feeds on the Qi of living people. Usually depicted dressed in
the garments of a court official and with a paper talisman attached to its forehead.
Due to rigor mortis, it moves by either hopping or walking awkwardly, often with its
arms outstretched.

Drought Demon (旱魃 hànbá) – an evil spirit which either appears in times of drought
or can cause drought itself. It resembles a Jiangshi or Zombie.
▪ They possibly have a connection to Ba, the daughter of the Yellow Emperor.
According to legend, she was a goddess with powers over drought. She was
one day sent down to the mortal world to fight her father’s enemies. She
defeated them, but in the process, she lost too much of her divine power and
became unable to return to the Heavens. She was forced to remain in the
mortal world, and drought continued to follow in her footsteps. For this, people
cursed her as a “Drought Demon”.

Yayu (猰貐 yàyǔ) (窫 窳) – a man-eating beast which makes a sound like a child
crying. It looks like a dragon or tiger, and is sometimes described as having a human
face.
▪ In mythology, the Yayu was originally a kindly deity and a child of the Torch
Dragon. However, it died and then resurrected as a savage beast. Houyi
eventually killed it for good.