There are quite a few wuxia-inspired games out there. Exalted leans into the detail of the techniques. Hearts of Wulin (I believe) emphasises the emotional side of things. The Avatar game (a wuxia/western hybrid) is all about balance. Tenra Bansho Zero lies somewhere in between, with some speial abilities and mechanical support for emotional goals.

How would you do it?

Also compare the background of the Seven Freaks, of disparate commoners, to the more refined Daoist martial artists. Do they get the same respect?

What do you think of the idea of having flawed character as the hero? Do you think it makes the book stronger or weaker?

What are your thoughts on this sort of magic? How does it compare to the "traditional" fantasy tropes of wizards and spells, or the subtle magic of Lord of the Rings or other folk stories?

The gender roles in this book are fairly "traditional" with women relegated to passive roles of wives and mothers, with widows expected not to remarry. (This is quite different in contemporary wuxia TV dramas, which often feature active, dynamic women.)

Age is treated differently in China, with older people not only respected for their wisdom, but often also higher-skilled and therefore better martial artists. That's different from Western ideals, where youth is a clear correlate with physical prowess.

What do you think of these differences? What other cultural differences did you spot?

What did people think of the length and pacing? Did this book keep you engaged? How much of Guo Jing's origin story did you need? Did the various plot twists and characters make sense in this volume, or were they too obviously being introduced to foreshadow events later?

The Song Empire has been invaded by its warlike Jurchen neighbours from the north. Half its territory and its historic capital lie in enemy hands; the peasants toil under the burden of the annual tribute demanded by the victors. Meanwhile, on the Mongolian steppe, a disparate nation of great warriors is about to be united by a warlord whose name will endure for eternity: Genghis Khan.

Guo Jing, son of a murdered Song patriot, grew up with Genghis Khan's army. He is humble, loyal, perhaps not altogether wise, and is fated from birth to one day confront an opponent who is the opposite of him in every way: privileged, cunning and flawlessly trained in the martial arts.

Guided by his faithful shifus, The Seven Heroes of the South, Guo Jing must return to China - to the Garden of the Drunken Immortals in Jiaxing - to fulfil his destiny. But in a divided land riven by war and betrayal, his courage and his loyalties will be tested at every turn.

Translated from the Chinese by Anna Holmwood