Reading Jin Yong's The Smiling, Proud Wanderer recently, it struck me that in his wuxia world, this work has never been just a story of swordplay and vendettas. Its truly sharp edge lies in its depiction of how power rewrites human nature. I was initially discussing characters like Yue Buqun and Zuo Lengchan with a friend, but after the conversation shifted to Ren Woxing, I suddenly thought of Xiang Wentian. Re-reading several segments, I found a seemingly ordinary dialogue that precisely reveals the moment relationship dynamics shift after the fall of Dongfang Bubai.
From Dungeon to Throne
Ren Woxing was betrayed by Dongfang Bubai and imprisoned at the bottom of West Lake for twelve years. The martial arts world had all but forgotten him; only Xiang Wentian, the Right Envoy of Light, never gave up. He teamed up with Linghu Chong and, after numerous life-and-death encounters, finally rescued Ren.
During those days of flight and vengeance, the two were true brothers-in-arms. Ren Woxing addressed him as "Brother Xiang" at every turn, holding nothing back. But once the battle at Black Wood Cliff was won and Ren Woxing reclaimed his throne as cult leader, everything changed silently.
The Watershed of Words
When Shangguan Yun offered flattering congratulations, Ren Woxing responded with "playful scolding," his tone intimate.
When it was the turn of Xiang Wentian, who had contributed the most to the victory, he said only: "Congratulations, Cult Leader. My heartiest congratulations."
Ren Woxing merely "smiled and said": "In this battle to eliminate the traitor and reclaim the seat, you truly occupy the First Merit."
Between "playful scolding" and "smilingly said," a single turn of phrase changes the entire meaning. "Brotherhood" vanished, replaced by a cool, precise, and distant acknowledgment of "merit."
Power Rewriting Relationships
In the phase of shared life-and-death struggles, there is no need to weigh contributions. Once rewards are being measured, the relationship has already been institutionalized. This isn't necessarily ingratitude; it's an instinctive reaction once power returns to one's hands. The greatest contributor often becomes the person who most needs to be "repositioned." Ren Woxing can no longer bear a debt of gratitude "beyond repayment" that towers over his authority as leader.
Xiang Wentian's Choice
Xiang Wentian understood. From then on, the man nicknamed "Old Man Heaven" (Tian Wang Lao Zi) quickly retracted his sharp edges. His tone shifted to the deference of a subordinate, and he even took the lead in shouting, "May the Sacred Cult Leader live for ten thousand years!" He hadn't lost his ability; he chose to use his wisdom for something else: to survive in the new order while still maintaining influence.
Historical Echoes: From King’s College to Columbia
This transformation doesn't only exist in wuxia novels; it reminded me of Columbia University. Columbia’s predecessor, King’s College, was originally a colonial college established under a royal charter from the British King. After the American Revolutionary War, the old order collapsed, and the school was briefly closed. It was figures from the Founding Era, including Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, who stepped in to help the school reborn in 1784 as Columbia College.
But as the new nation found its footing, roles shifted. From a training ground for the Crown, it became a higher education organization for a new world. Those who had "saved the school" were no longer just partners in a struggle but became governors of a new system; and Columbia itself had to be integrated into the rules and narratives of the republican system.
If the newborn America was like Ren Woxing reclaiming his throne, then Columbia was more like Xiang Wentian—occupying the "First Merit" yet unable to claim the role of "brother"; its contributions acknowledged, yet transformed into a position the system could accept.
Black Wood Cliff is Closer Than You Think
This is not an accusation against anyone, but a reminder. Once power completes its transition, relationships must be reordered. Changes in titles and shifts in tone often announce far earlier than formal documents: sentiment has made way for order.
We may not stand atop Black Wood Cliff, but we will likely encounter our own tipping points—after a project's success, during an organizational restructuring, or at the moment rewards are being distributed. Whether one can hear, see, and make a choice like Xiang Wentian is the truly difficult lesson.
I believe The Smiling, Proud Wanderer truly offers not just magnificent swordplay or magical techniques, but the ability to see through hearts and power. The most dangerous "Jianghu" is not found in the clashing of blades, but perhaps in the moment the feast ends and the seating chart is rearranged.