Yue Nu Jian (越女劍) / Sword of the Yue Maiden

Sword of the Yue Maiden is a Chinese Martial Arts (Wuxia) short story written by Louis Cha (Jin Yong), the biggest-selling author by far in the world of Chinese novels. This short story is the last of Jin Yong's Wuxia works, together with The Deer and the Cauldron. However, its historical setting, in the Spring and Autumn Period (from the second half of the 8th century BCE to the first half of the 5th century BCE), is the earliest amongst all of Jin Yong's works.

This story is based on real historical events that occurred during the 5th century B.C. It 's a period between what's known as the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring Kingdoms period. China was yet to be united under the First Emperor. The so-called Han race didn't exist yet. China was divided into big and small kingdoms, dukedoms and counties which warred with each other constantly.

This is the only short story written by Louis Cha (Jin Yong). Because of its short length, you can't really see Jin Yong's full talent at story-telling. However, this translation can give you some idea of what a martial arts story is like. My English translation can't really do the original justice, but I hope I have stirred your interest enough that you will go out there and find out more about Chinese culture, history and legend. The process of finding out will not be easy, but I assure you, what you will find will never be dull.