Xiaoli Feidao
The Xiaoli Feidao series is a wuxia novel series by Gu Long.
| Duoqing Jianke Wuqing Jian Biancheng Langzi Jiuyue Feiying Tianya Mingyue Dao Feidao Youjian Feidao | |
| Author | Gu Long |
|---|---|
| Original title | 小李飛刀系列 |
| Country | Taiwan |
| Language | Chinese |
| Genre | Wuxia, romance, adventure |
| Published | 1968–1981 |
| Media type | |
| Xiaoli Feidao series | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese | 小李飛刀系列 | ||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 小李飞刀系列 | ||||||||||
| Literal meaning | Little Li Flying Dagger series | ||||||||||
| |||||||||||
Weapon
The Little Li Flying Dagger (小李飛刀) is the weapon of Li Xunhuan, Ye Kai, Ding Lingzhong and Li Huai.
The blade of the dagger is three cun and seven fen long. It was forged from ordinary steel and iron unlike other fictional weapons that were forged from special types of materials. It ranks third on the Bingqipu (兵器譜), a fictional book of weapons.
Novels
Duoqing Jianke Wuqing Jian
Duoqing Jianke Wuqing Jian (多情劍客無情劍; 多情剑客无情剑; Duōqíng Jiànkè Wúqíng Jiàn; Do1-cing4 Gim3-haak3 Mou4-cing4 Gim3; 'Sentimental Swordsman, Ruthless Sword') is the first novel in the series, first published in 1968. It details the adventures of Li Xunhuan and his friend Afei.
Li Xunhuan rises to prominence as a martial artist in the jianghu (martial artists' community) for the expert use of his signature weapon, the Little Li Flying Dagger. He is in love with Lin Shiyin but decides to give up on her to repay his sworn brother Long Xiaoyun's kindness towards him. Long Xiaoyun marries Lin Shiyin eventually. Li Xunhuan feels emotionally hurt and decides to retire from the jianghu.
When Li Xunhuan comes out of his reclusive life ten years later, he meets Afei and befriends him. Both of them are drawn into the mysterious Case of the Plum Flower Bandit and Li Xunhuan is wrongly accused of being the bandit. He clears his name eventually. Meanwhile, he is also drawn into the complex feuds between Lin Xian'er, Shangguan Jinhong and Long Xiaoyun. He defeats and kills Shangguan Jinhong. He marries Sun Xiaohong and retires from the jianghu again to lead a new life with her far away from society.
Biancheng Langzi
Biancheng Langzi (邊城浪子; 边城浪子; Biānchéng Làngzǐ; Bin1-sing4 Long4-zi2; 'Bordertown Prodigal/Wanderer') is the sequel to the first novel and the first part of the Biancheng Langzi Trilogy. It was first published in 1972. The novel begins with the murder of Bai Tianyu and his family. Ye Kai and Fu Hongxue set forth to solve the mysterious case and embarks on their adventures.
Jiuyue Yingfei
Jiuyue Yingfei (九月鷹飛; 九月鹰飞; Jǐuyuè Yīngfēi; Gau2-jyut6 Jing1-fei1; 'Eagle Soaring in the Ninth Month') is the second part of the Biancheng Langzi Trilogy and the third instalment of the Xiaoli Feidao Series. It is often regarded as a prequel to Biancheng Langzi although it was published in 1973, a year later than the former.
Tianya Mingyue Dao
Tianya Mingyue Dao (天涯‧明月‧刀; Tiānyá Míngyuè Dāo; Tin1-ngaai4 Ming4-jyut6 Dou1; 'Horizon, Bright Moon, Saber') is the third part of the Biancheng Langzi Trilogy and the fourth instalment of the Xiaoli Feidao Series. It was first published in 1974. It details the adventures of Fu Hongxue after the events of the previous books, while he accompanies Yan Nanfei to defeat Gongzi Yu, one of the most powerful fighters in the jianghu.
Feidao Youjian Feidao
Feidao Youjian Feidao (飛刀，又見飛刀; 飞刀，又见飞刀; Fēidāo, Yòujiàn Fēidāo; Fei1-dou1, Jau6-gin3 Fei1-dou1; 'Flying Dagger, Flying Dagger Appears Again') is the fifth and last instalment in the Xiaoli Feidao Series. It was first published in 1981. The novel focuses on the adventures of Li Xunhuan's grandson, Li Huai. Li Huai inherits his grandfather's Little Li Flying Dagger technique and roams the jianghu as a wandering martial artist to help the poor and uphold justice.
Characters
Duoqing Jianke Wuqing Jian
- Li Xunhuan (李尋歡; 李寻欢; Lǐ Xúnhuān; Lei5 Cam4-fun1) is the protagonist of the novel. He was born in a family of scholars and earned the position of tanhua (探花; third best candidate) in the imperial examination. He served as a government official in his early days but retired later and roamed the jianghu as a wandering martial artist. He is famous for the use of his signature weapon, the Little Li Flying Dagger (小李飛刀).
- Sun Xiaohong (孫小紅; 孙小红; Sūn Xiǎohóng; Syun1 Siu2-hung4) is Li Xunhuan's future wife. She met Li Xunhuan and followed him on his adventures before marrying him.
- Afei (阿飛; 阿飞; Āfēi; Aa3-fei1) is a martial artist nicknamed "Flying Swordsman" (飛劍客) for his excellent swordplay skills. He befriends Li Xunhuan and follows him on his adventures.
- Long Xiaoyun (龍嘯雲; 龙啸云; Lóng Xiàoyún; Lung4 Siu3-wan4) is Li Xunhuan's sworn brother.
- Lin Shiyin (林詩音; 林诗音; Lín Shīyīn; Lam4 Si1-jam1) is Li Xunhuan's first love interest and original fiancée. She marries Long Xiaoyun.
- Shangguan Jinhong (上官金虹; Shàngguān Jīnhóng; Soeng6-gun1 Gam1-hung4) is the evil chief of the Gold and Money Sect (金錢幫). He is slain by Li Xunhuan.
- Lin Xian'er (林仙兒; 林仙儿; Lín Xiān'ér; Lam4 Sin1-ji4) is Shangguan Jinhong's lover.
- Jing Wuming (荊無命; 荆无命; Jīng Wúmìng; Ging1 Mou4-ming6)
- Guo Songyang (郭嵩陽; 郭嵩阳; Guō Sōngyáng; Gwok3 Sung1-joeng4)
- Lü Fengxian (呂鳳先; 吕凤先; Lǚ Fèngxiān; Leoi5 Fung6-sin1)
- Yi Ku (伊哭; Yī Kū; Ji1 Huk1)
Biancheng Langzi
- Ye Kai (葉開; 叶开; Yè Kāi; Jip6 Hoi1) is the protagonist of the novel. He is Li Xunhuan's apprentice and he inherits his master's 'Little Li Flying Dagger' technique.
- Ding Linglin (丁靈琳; 丁灵琳; Dīng Línglín; Ding1 Ling4-lam4) is Ye Kai's love interest.
- Fu Hongxue (傅紅雪; 傅红雪; Fù Hóngxuě; Fu6 Hung4-syut3) is a member of the Demon Sect (魔教). He is Ye Kai's best friend and follows him on his adventures.
- Cuinong (翠濃; 翠浓; Cuìnóng; Ceoi3-nung4) is Fu Hongxue's love interest. She dies trying to save Fu's life and her death causes Fu to become emotionally disturbed.
- Lu Xiaojia (路小佳; Lù Xiǎojiā; Lou6 Siu2-gaai1)
- Ding Lingzhong (丁靈中; 丁灵中; Dīng Língzhōng; Ding1 Ling4-zung1)
- Ma Fangling (馬芳鈴; 马芳铃; Mǎ Fānglíng; Maa5 Fong1-ling4)
- Shen Sanniang (沈三娘; Shěn Sānniáng; Sam2 Saam1-noeng4)
- Ma Kongqun (馬空群; 马空群; Mǎ Kōngqún; Maa5 Hung1-kwan4)
- Xiao Bieli (蕭別離; 萧别离; Xiāo Biélí; Siu1 Bit6-lei4)
Jiuyue Yingfei
- Ye Kai (葉開; 叶开; Yè Kāi; Jip6 Hoi1) is the protagonist of the novel. He is Li Xunhuan's apprentice and he inherits his master's 'Little Li Flying Dagger' technique.
- Ding Linglin (丁靈琳; 丁灵琳; Dīng Línglín; Ding1 Ling4-lam4) is Ye Kai's love interest.
- Shangguan Xiaoxian (上官小仙; Shàngguān Xiǎoxiān; Soeng6-gun1 Siu2-sin1) is the chief of the Gold and Money Sect (金錢幫). She is Shangguan Jinhong and Lin Xian'er's daughter.
- Guo Ding (郭定; Guō Dìng; Gwok3 Ding6) is a martial artist nicknamed "Guo Ding of Songyang" (嵩陽郭定). His weapon, the Songyang Iron Sword, ranks fourth on the Bingqipu. He is Guo Songyang's cousin.
- Cui Yuzhen (崔玉貞; 崔玉贞; Cuī Yùzhēn; Ceoi1 Juk6-zing1)
Tianya Mingyue Dao
- Fu Hongxue (傅紅雪; 傅红雪; Fù Hóngxuě; Fu6 Hung4-syut3) is the protagonist of the novel. He is from the Demonic Cult (魔教) and is Ye Kai's best friend. He suffers from epilepsy and has a disabled right leg. He appears cold and unfeeling but is still nonetheless a powerful exponent in the use of the saber. He is emotionally disturbed by the loss of his love interest Cuinong in an earlier novel.
- Zhuo Yuzhen (卓玉貞; 卓玉贞; Zhuó Yùzhēn; Zoek3 Juk6-zing1)
- Yan Nanfei (燕南飛; 燕南飞; Yàn Nánfēi; Jin3 Naam4-fei1) is given one year to live after losing a duel against Fu Hongxue, but ends up befriending him and accompanies him to fight Gongzi Yu, the most powerful fighter in the jianghu.
- Gongzi Yu (公子羽; Gōngzǐ Yǔ; Gung1-zi2 Jyu5) is the heir to Shen Lang. He is considered the most powerful martial artist alive and wants to rule the jianghu (martial artists' community). He controls a powerful force of experts and seemingly wishes to kill both Fu Hongxue and Yan Nanfei, who are the only ones capable of threatening his ambition.
- Zhou Ting (周婷; Zhōu Tíng; Zau1 Ting4) is a prostitute who takes care of Fu Hongxue when he was injured.
- Mrs. Zhuo (卓夫人; Zhuó Fūrén; Zoek3 Fu1-jan4)
- Ni Hui (倪慧; Ní Huì; Ngai4 Wai6)
Feidao Youjian Feidao
- Li Huai (李壞; 李坏; Lǐ Huài; Lei5 Waai6) is the protagonist of the novel. He is Li Manqing's illegitimate son and a grandson of Li Xunhuan. He inherits his grandfather's famous 'Little Li Flying Dagger' technique and becomes a powerful martial artist. He also uncovers the treasure left behind by his deceased mother and uses his wealth to help the poor and uphold justice with his skills.
- Xue Caiyue (薛採月; 薛采月; Xuē Cǎiyuè; Sit3 Coi2-jyut6) is Li Huai's love interest. Her father Xue Qingbi was killed by Li Manqing in a duel. Although she loves Li Huai, the feud between their fathers cause their relationship to become strained. She is forced to settle the feud in a final duel with him.
- Fang Keke (方可可; Fāng Kékě; Fong1 Ho2-ho2) is Li Huai's second love interest. Li changes her life from that of a beggar to a rich girl and she feels indebted to him. She is spoiled, arrogant and rude.
- Li Manqing (李曼青; Lǐ Mànqīng; Lei5 Maan6-cing1) is Li Xunhuan's son and Li Huai's father. He is famous in the jianghu for putting his 'Little Li Flying Dagger' technique to good use. He is also an influential aristocrat.
Adaptations
- The Sentimental Swordsman (多情劍客無情劍) is a 1977 Hong Kong film adapted from Duoqing Jianke Wuqing Jian. It was produced by the Shaw Brothers Studio and directed by Chor Yuen. Ti Lung and Derek Yee starred as Li Xunhuan and A'fei respectively.
- The Romantic Swordsman (小李飛刀) is a 1978 Hong Kong television series adapted from Duoqing Jianke Wuqing Jian. The theme song Siu Lei Fei Dou (小李飛刀) for the series was composed by Joseph Koo and performed by Roman Tam. Paul Chu and Wong Yuen-sun starred as Li Xunhuan and A'fei respectively.
- The Romantic Swordsman (小李飛刀) is a 1995 Hong Kong remake of the 1978 television series. Eddie Kwan and Chin Kar-lok starred as Li Xunhuan and A'fei respectively.
- Legend of Dagger Li (小李飛刀) is a 1999 Taiwanese television series adapted from Duoqing Jianke Wuqing Jian. It starred Vincent Chiao as Li Xunhuan, Wu Jin as A'fei, Alyssia Chia as Sun Xiaohong and Stephanie Hsiao as Lin Shiyin. This series re-used the original theme song in the 1978 television series, though re-mastered. The ending theme for the series was performed by Peter Ho.
- Flying Daggers (飛刀又見飛刀) is a 2003 Taiwanese television series adapted from Feidao Youjian Feidao, starring Julian Cheung, Ruby Lin and Dong Jie as Li Huai, Xue Caiyue and Fang Keke respectively.
- Xiaoli Feidao (小李飞刀) is a 2008 Chinese television series adapted from Duoqing Jianke Wuqing Jian. Huang Ziteng starred as Li Xunhuan.
- The Magic Blade (天涯明月刀) is a 2012 Chinese television series adapted from Tian Ya Ming Yue Dao. starring Wallace Chung as Fu Hong Xue, Lemon Zhang as Zhou Ting and Baron Chen as Ye Kai.
- Bordertown Prodigal (新边城浪子) is a 2016 Chinese television series adapted from Biancheng Langzi, starring Zhu Yilong as Fu Hong Xue, Viann Zhang as Ma Fangling and Zhang Jun Ning as Lu Xiaojia.
- The Legend of Flying Daggers (飞刀又见飞刀) is a 2017 Chinese television series adapted from Feidao Youjian Feidao, starring Hawick Lau and Yang Rong as Li Huai.