A Past Unearthed: Return of the Condor Heroes Volume 1

The Chinese Lord of the Rings is now available in English for the first time. It is a fantasy series that has been enjoyed by Chinese readers for decades, with 300 million copies sold. The story follows Guo Jing and his wife Lotus Huang as they face new threats and reunite with Penance, the son of their treacherous sworn brother. Penance discovers the mysterious history behind the Quanzhen Sect and is forced to come to terms with his father's past and his own heart.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

The Chinese Lord of the Rings, a series that has been cherished by Chinese readers for decades, has finally been translated into English for the first time. With over 300 million copies sold, this epic fantasy series has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. While Western fantasy is often associated with the works of JRR Tolkien, it is important to recognize the contributions of Asian fantasy authors, such as Jin Yong. Jin Yong's stories have deeply ingrained themselves in the DNA of Asian fantasy literature, and the debt we owe him is immeasurable.

In the year 1237 A.D., the world was in turmoil. Genghis Khan, the legendary Mongol ruler, had passed away, but his legacy lived on. The Mongolians, led by his son, continued their assault on the Central Plains, threatening the stability of the region. Amidst this chaos, a new generation of martial artists emerged to face the threat. Foremost among them was Guo Jing, a skilled warrior with a fierce determination to protect his homeland.

Guo Jing was not alone in his quest. Alongside him was his wife, Lotus Huang, a beautiful and talented martial artist in her own right. Together, they formed an unstoppable team, ready to face any challenge that came their way. However, their journey was not without danger. A new threat had emerged on the horizon, and it was unlike anything they had ever encountered before.

Blithe Li, the Red Serpent Celestial, was a vengeful woman scorned. She had been betrayed by her lover, Yang Kang, the son of Guo Jing's treacherous sworn brother. With all the fury of a woman scorned, Blithe Li vowed to destroy everything in her path, including Guo Jing and his family.

It was an encounter with this pitiless foe that reunited Guo Jing with Penance, the son of his treacherous sworn brother. Penance had been living a life of vagrancy, unaware of his true origins and the secrets of his heart. He was taken under the care of the Quanzhen Sect, a prestigious martial school located in the Zhongnan Mountains.

At the Quanzhen Sect, Penance stumbled across the mysterious history behind this most respected martial school. What he uncovers sends him on a journey that will force him to come to terms with his father's past and the secrets of his own heart. As he delves deeper into the sect's teachings, Penance learns that the Quanzhen Sect is not just a place of martial arts training, but also a sanctuary for those seeking redemption and forgiveness.

Through his journey, Penance learns the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and self-discovery. He also discovers the true nature of his father's legacy and the role he plays in the ongoing struggle against the Mongolians. With his newfound knowledge and skills, Penance is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

The Chinese Lord of the Rings is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of fantasy literature. It has captured the hearts of readers around the world and has left a lasting legacy that will be cherished for generations to come. As we continue to explore the vast world of fantasy literature, it is important to recognize the contributions of Asian fantasy authors like Jin Yong and to celebrate the rich diversity of fantasy storytelling that exists beyond the Western canon.

Weight: 532g
Dimension: 153 x 235 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529417500