- Louis

Louis Cha Leung-yung (1924–2018), better known by his pen name Jin Yong, was one of the most influential Chinese-language novelists of the twentieth century. Born in Haining, Zhejiang Province, he later settled in Hong Kong, where he became a celebrated journalist, editor, and writer. In 1959, he co-founded the newspaper Ming Pao, which he led for decades while pursuing his literary career.

Cha is best remembered for elevating the wuxia genre—fiction centered on martial artists, honor, and adventure in ancient China. Over just fifteen years, he wrote fifteen novels and novellas, crafting epic tales that blend history, philosophy, romance, and martial arts. His major works include The Book and the Sword (1955), The Legend of the Condor Heroes, The Return of the Condor Heroes, The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, and The Deer and the Cauldron (1972), widely regarded as his masterpiece.

His novels have sold over 100 million copies worldwide and have been adapted countless times into films, television series, radio dramas, and video games. Translated into numerous languages, his works brought him honorary doctorates and international acclaim, securing his legacy as a towering figure of Chinese literature.