Author: Orsiris
I. Introduction: From Legend of the Condor Heroes to Return of the Condor Heroes to Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber — A Century of Jianghu, a Dream of Huaxu
Jin Yong’s “Condor Trilogy” begins with The Legend of the Condor Heroes, establishing themes of loyalty and trust; The Return of the Condor Heroes deepens the idea of love and righteousness; and finally, Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber confronts power struggles and the momentum of history, culminating in the Dao of “selflessness.” The I Ching, as a classic text of yin-yang dynamics and personal cultivation, resonates deeply with the themes of Heaven Sword. One is a book of worldly governance, the other a saga of martial society and the fate of the world.
This article explores three dimensions of the inner connection between Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber and the I Ching: character hexagrams, plot hexagram sequences, and spiritual structure—offering an I Ching-based interpretation of the fate of Zhang Wuji, an “atypical hero.”
II. Character Hexagram Analysis: Zhang Wuji and the Three Women — Dynamics of Firmness and Gentleness, Application of Yin and Yang
(1) Zhang Wuji: A Man of Tai and Qian Hexagrams — Attaining the Dao Through Gentleness
Orphaned young and poisoned by the Xuanming Palm, Zhang Wuji faces a turbulent fate, yet walks a path of compassion and tolerance that sets him apart from conventional heroes. Unlike Guo Jing’s righteousness or Yang Guo’s unparalleled genius, he is “seemingly soft yet inwardly strong.” He corresponds to the Qian (Modesty) hexagram:
“The modest gentleman crosses great rivers and finds good fortune.”
He maintains his virtue internally, avoids conflict and rashness, yet becomes capable of great deeds.
He also embodies the Tai (Peace) hexagram:
“Heaven and Earth unite; all things flourish.”
Navigating between the Ming Cult and the six major sects, turning war into peace, Wuji acts as a bridge between yin and yang, upper and lower realms.
(2) Zhao Min: A Woman of Qian — Strength Tempered by Gentleness, A Ruler of Men
Born of Mongol royalty, Zhao Min is brilliant and courageous, her decisiveness matching the Qian (Heaven) hexagram:
“Heaven moves with strength; the gentleman strengthens himself unceasingly.”
With strong heavenly energy, she commands generals and outwits rivals, yet softens through love, ultimately choosing affection over power. She is not only Wuji’s lover, but the catalyst for the union of Heaven and Earth in his destiny.
(3) Zhou Zhiruo: A Woman of Gen — Concealed Sharpness, Reversal Like a Mountain
From Emei Sect, Zhou Zhiruo appears gentle at first, but has deep inner resilience. She reflects the Gen (Mountain) hexagram:
“Stillness in the back, unaware of the body; walking in the courtyard, not seeing others.”
Outwardly still but inwardly active, her will is hidden until she rises mid-story to seize control. Though “still like a mountain,” she is entangled in emotional obsession and power, exemplifying the I Ching principle:
“Reversal is the movement of the Dao.”
(4) Xiao Zhao: A Woman of Kun — Overcoming Hardness with Gentleness, the Virtue of Earth
Gentle, wise, and self-sacrificing, Xiao Zhao takes on the burden of leading the Persian Ming Cult. She aligns with the Kun (Earth) hexagram:
“The Earth’s nature is receptive; the gentleman carries all with great virtue.”
Her strength lies in bearing and compassion, not in combat. She fully embodies the I Ching’s ideal of feminine yin virtue.
III. Plot Hexagram Sequence: From Zhun to Ji Ji — In Turbulent Times, the Dao Emerges Through Non-Contention
(1) Zhun (Difficulty at the Beginning): The Young Lord’s Hardship, Aspirations Born of Struggle
Zhang Wuji, orphaned and suffering on Ice-Fire Island, wounded and isolated, lives the predicament described in Zhun:
“Firmness and softness begin to interact, bringing difficulty; action amid danger, great success through perseverance.”
His early hardships forge his later compassion and endurance.
(2) Xu and Da Xu: Accumulating Virtue and Storing Power
Learning medicine in Butterfly Valley and mastering the Nine Yang Manual atop Bright Summit reflect Xu:
“Waiting with sincerity brings bright prospects and good fortune.”
Rather than seeking fame, he builds inner strength, like the Da Xu (Great Restraint) hexagram:
“Great restraint, beneficial to persevere; not eating at home is auspicious; beneficial to cross great rivers.”
He restrains, prepares, and acts with calm strength.
(3) Tong Ren and Qian: The Meeting on Bright Summit, Rising of Yang Energy
The battle atop Bright Summit is a turning point. Wuji wins glory and allies:
“Unity with others in the wilderness brings success; beneficial for the gentleman to persevere.”
He becomes a true leader, representing the Qian hexagram’s ninth line:
“Flying dragon in the heavens, it is beneficial to see the great man.”
This marks his rise.
(4) Guai and Song: Moments of Judgment and Conflict
Leading the Ming Cult through both external sieges and internal schemes, Wuji must make hard choices:
Guai: “Declared in the royal court; even with danger, there is sincerity; acting without force brings benefit.”
Amid disputes (Song), he seeks harmony—finding the middle path in chaos.
(5) Sun Yi and Ji Ji: The Meeting of Gain and Loss
Wuji ultimately unites the Ming Cult and quells the martial world’s unrest, but fails to balance love and political duty. He chooses seclusion—mirroring Ji Ji (Completion):
“Completion brings success, small gains in perseverance, good at the start but chaotic at the end.”
It looks like a conclusion, but is not perfect.
IV. Spiritual Philosophy: Anti-Heroism and the Way of Non-Action
(1) Wuji the Non-Hero: Ruling Through Non-Action, Winning Through Non-Struggle
Zhang Wuji is Jin Yong’s most “anti-heroic” hero. He lacks Guo Jing’s firmness and Yang Guo’s pride but embodies Laozi’s ideal of
“Highest virtue is like water”
and “govern through non-action.”
He succeeds not by strength, but by virtue; not by fighting, but by harmony.
(2) Governing Through Virtue: A Reversal of Kingship
In Heaven Sword, royal and religious power are not the central themes—virtue is. Wuji leads through moral example, replacing violence with sincerity. He often turns enemies into allies through virtue—practicing the spirit of Zhong Fu (Inner Truth) and Qian (Modesty).
(3) Female Archetypes and the Cosmic Yin-Yang
The four leading women represent the four hexagrams Qian, Kun, Gen, and Xun, forming a cosmic symmetry with Wuji’s central role. At the story’s end, he chooses love and retreat over conquest—a declaration of returning to the Dao.
V. Conclusion: The Dragon Slayer Who Did Not Slay — The Nameless Dao
Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber is one of Jin Yong’s most philosophical works. Its reflection on fate, power, and identity transcends the wuxia genre. Zhang Wuji, both dragon-slayer and sword-bearer, ultimately chooses to lay down the blade—embodying the I Ching’s ideals:
“Great completion appears incomplete.”
“Detachment leads to wholeness.”
If Guo Jing is the man of Zhong Fu, and Yang Guo the changer of Da Guo and Guan, then Zhang Wuji is the traveler of Qian, Tai, and Ji Ji—diligent day by day, never seeking position, yet drawing the hearts of all.
🔹 Character Hexagram Illustrations
(Suggested in black-and-white ink style, hexagrams beside each character)
🔹 Plot Sequence Diagram
(Flowchart or martial world map style)
🔹 Symbolic Spiritual Theme Illustrations