The Legend of Sword and Fairy (video game)
XianJian QiXia Zhuan (仙劍奇俠傳), also known as The Legend of Sword and Fairy or PAL, is an adventure RPG developed by Taiwan’s Softstar Entertainment Inc. Released in 1995 for DOS, this game is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential Chinese RPGs ever made. Since its debut, it has inspired numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, creating a rich franchise of games and TV shows under the “Chinese Paladin” name.
The story introduces us to Li Xiaoyao, an aspiring martial artist, and the charismatic Zhao Ling’er, a descendant of the goddess Nuwa. While there isn’t an official English version of the game, fans are actively working on a translation project. You can find more information about it here.
For more information on the game and various versions, click here.
XianJian Game synopsis
Nineteen-year-old Li Xiaoyao, who lost his parents at a young age, grew up under the care of his aunt. When she falls seriously ill, he sets out to find a legendary fairy on a nearby island for help. The fairy, Zhao Ling’er, a sixteen-year-old maiden, lives with her grandmother in a hidden palace. Initially reluctant to assist him, Ling’er is moved by Xiaoyao’s filial heart and ultimately gives him a magical medicine. A series of events leads to their unexpected marriage, and he vows to return after delivering the medicine.
After Xiaoyao gives his aunt the medication, he suddenly faints and loses his memory. A man slipped him a memory-loss pill before he left for the island. His aunt recovers and forgets her illness, but Xiaoyao unknowingly breaks the spell hiding the palace’s location during his journey. Soon after, Ling’er’s enemies invade the palace and kidnap her in a bloody battle.
Xiaoyao unexpectedly finds Ling’er in his inn and saves her. He doesn’t remember her but vows to help her return to the island and rescue those left behind. They rush back to the palace but arrive too late. With her last breath, Ling’er’s grandmother reveals that her mother may still be alive and entrusts her granddaughter to Xiaoyao.
When Xiaoyao returns home, his aunt learns about his marriage to Ling’er. She urges him to take her along to find her mother, planning for Xiaoyao to ask for Linger’s hand in marriage. Unbeknownst to her, Xiaoyao doesn’t remember this promise. Together, they set off for Nan Zhao, meeting friends and allies while battling demons and seeking justice.
Chinese Paladin 2005 TV Series
Thanks to the game’s immense popularity and dedicated fan base, a TV drama titled Chinese Paladin (XianJian QiXia Zhuan) was produced in 2004. Newcomer Hu Ge 胡歌 took on the role of the protagonist, Li Xiaoyao, while Crystal Liu Yifei 劉亦菲 portrayed Zhao Ling’er, launching both actors into stardom. The drama became a massive hit in China.
However, the television adaptation takes significant liberties with the source material, making drastic changes to the plot, characters, and relationships. Some fans were particularly upset by the alterations to Zhao Ling’er’s character, which they felt were unfavourable. Despite these changes, the couple remains committed to each other, and it’s arguable that their love has only grown stronger.
TV series synopsis
Determined to save his ailing aunt, carefree hooligan Li Xiaoyao (Hu Ge) sets sail for the mysterious Dream Island, rumoured to hold a cure. There, he meets the beautiful Zhao Ling’er (Crystal Liu Yifei) and falls in love, sealing their bond in marriage. Unbeknownst to Xiaoyao, the evil Lunar Sect Cult orchestrated his trip to Dream Island as part of their plan to capture Ling’er. With his aunt’s cure in hand and promises to Ling’er in his heart, he heads home, only to wake up and find that all his memories of Dream Island have vanished.
Sword and Fairy 1 (Chinese Paladin 2024 remake)
Title: 又见逍遥 You Jian Xiaoyao (Originally titled 仙剑)
English title: Sword and Fairy (Originally ‘Paladin Legend’)
Genre: Xianxia, romance
Episodes: 40
Broadcast network: Tencent
Broadcast period: April 2024
Watch free with English subtitles
Nearly 20 years after the original television adaptation featuring Hu Ge and Liu Yifei, a remake titled Sword and Fairy (又见逍遥, literally “Seeing Xiaoyao Again”) was announced. This new reboot faithfully adapts the 1995 game The Legend of Sword and Fairy and stars He Yu as Li Xiaoyao and Yang Yutong as Zhao Ling’er.
It was initially titled “Paladin Legend” but has since been changed, creating some confusion. In 2024, two other dramas also called “Sword and Fairy” were released, but those are based on the 4th and 6th games in the series. You can find out more through the links below:
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