The story of the characters in the martial arts novels by Jin Yong has always been a topic of great interest for readers. Among them, the mystery surrounding the identity of the “Tiểu Đạo Tử,” a figure from the Tiểu Đạo sect, remains a hotly debated subject.
The Mystery of Tiểu Đạo Tử and Its Connection with Ling Từ Cung
Jin Yong’s martial arts stories have captivated readers for generations. This allure comes not only from the plot but also from Jin Yong’s skillful incorporation of “mysteries” that compel readers to engage in speculation and interpretation.
One prominent example is the Tiểu Đạo sect in “The Legend of the Condor Heroes.” While characters like Đoàn Dự and Hứa Trúc are well-known from this sect, readers still find themselves pondering the origins of these characters. The story of Tiểu Đạo Tử, the master of this sect, has yet to be fully explored. So who is Tiểu Đạo Tử?
The Sohu news site has provided insights into this question. It suggests that if readers were to examine the original texts closely, they might uncover various hidden meanings.
“The Legend of the Condor Heroes” gives readers a strong sense of connection to the Tiểu Đạo sect, which is quite distinct from the main storyline. Characters like Vô Nhai Tử, Thiên Sơn Đồng Lão, and Lý Thu Thủy have connections with Đoàn Dự and Hứa Trúc, yet they rarely appear alongside other characters.
In the early chapters of the Tiểu Đạo sect, Vô Nhai Tử is portrayed as a second-degree master, while Lý Thu Thủy transforms into a princess, and Thiên Sơn Đồng Lão serves as the host of Ling Từ Cung. Many believe Ling Từ Cung to be a branch of the Tiểu Đạo sect, but this is not accurate. Based on the details within the story, it appears that Ling Từ Cung and Tiểu Đạo sect do not share a direct hierarchical relationship; rather, Ling Từ Cung is where the Tiểu Đạo sect first established its roots.
The Secrets of Ling Từ Cung
This notion is supported by the hidden martial arts secrets concealed within Ling Từ Cung. After Hứa Trúc was taught by Thiên Sơn Đồng Lão, a group of women including Mai, Lan, Trúc, and Cúc led the charge into the hidden back chamber of the temple. Here, numerous martial arts secrets of Ling Từ Cung were kept hidden.
Let’s see what Mai, Lan, Trúc, and Cúc said to Hứa Trúc: “Master, in the hidden chamber behind Ling Từ Cung are concealed various martial arts techniques passed down from the master for several centuries. It is said that these secrets are related to Sinh Tử Phù, so please come and take a look.”
Upon entering the hidden chamber, Hứa Trúc discovers various martial arts techniques. It is said that these include Thiên Sơn Chiết Mai Thủ and Thiên Sơn Lục Dương Chưởng, among others. This discovery is quite intriguing, as these martial arts techniques should theoretically belong to the Tiểu Đạo sect. Moreover, according to the women, this was once a place of great significance that had been lost for centuries.
Moreover, before the establishment of the Tiểu Đạo sect, these martial arts techniques already existed. Perhaps they were created by Tiểu Đạo Tử? In fact, there is a theory suggesting that these martial arts were developed by Tiểu Đạo Tử and that he was the host of Ling Từ Cung prior to the temple’s establishment.
Secrets in Vô Lão Trường Xuân Cốc
If Tiểu Đạo Tử is indeed the host of Ling Từ Cung from centuries ago, how could he possibly live until the time of “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” and still teach martial arts to three different generations? In fact, it is rather simple; in the revisions of “The Legend of the Condor Heroes,” Jin Yong deliberately referenced Tiểu Đạo Tử in the final chapters.
At that time, Vương Ngữ Yên sought to reach Vô Lão Trường Xuân Cốc to uncover the secrets of the mysterious realm. Đoàn Dự followed her and searched for the secrets of the realm. It is noted in the narrative: “In the strange text of this mysterious scroll, it mentions a divine scroll that has been guarded by the inhabitants of Vô Lão Trường Xuân Cốc for centuries. This scroll is said to be connected to Sinh Tử Phù, so please come and take a look.”
Thus, Tiểu Đạo Tử has acquired the divine scroll and has hidden the secrets of the mysterious realm, which is a significant revelation. However, this raises another question: who is actually Tiểu Đạo Tử? If we combine this with the details in “Thần Điêu Hiệp Lữ,” we can perhaps find an answer.
Dương Quá and Thần Điêu Lead to the Answer
More than a hundred years after the events of “The Legend of the Condor Heroes,” during the time of “Thần Điêu Hiệp Lữ,” Dương Quá encountered a Thần Điêu in a deep valley outside the city of Tương Dương. This Thần Điêu, while unable to speak, was quite intelligent and understood human actions. According to the narrative, it resembled a giant tortoise.
The appearance of this creature is described as follows: “Before me appeared a large Thần Điêu, much taller than a normal person, with an extremely ugly appearance. Its body was thick and seemed as if it would overwhelm a human. Its fur was black and yellow, looking very tattered, yet it was also sharp and powerful, resembling a giant dragon, but incredibly ugly, with an appearance unlike anything I had ever seen before.”
Thus, Dương Quá’s reference to it as “điểu huynh” seems to be a misnomer; it should be referred to as “kên kên huynh” instead. In Chinese, kên kên is pronounced as “Thiểu.” This connection brings to mind Ling Từ Cung. No bird has ever been called “linh thiểu” before. If the Thần Điêu mentioned actually refers to the “linh thiểu,” then this would simplify many previous discussions.
Clarifying the Identity of Tiểu Đạo Tử
We must recognize that the “kiếm ma” Độc Cô Cầu Bại was a counterpart to Thần Điểu. Thus, we can say that Tiểu Đạo Tử is indeed Độc Cô Cầu Bại in his old age.
To summarize the timeline in the story, it is mentioned that Độc Cô Cầu Bại, while still a youth, had already displayed extraordinary prowess, having traveled extensively through the martial arts world, defeating countless opponents. It is noted that his martial arts prowess was unparalleled, and he was often regarded as the greatest of all.
The situation suggests that if Độc Cô Cầu Bại is indeed the master of Thần Điểu, then it is likely he has lived for many decades in this manner.
In essence, he reached Vô Lão Trường Xuân Cốc. The martial arts he practiced were not merely for show; his goal was to pursue “mysterious longevity,” and thus he sought out Vô Lão Trường Xuân Cốc to acquire the “divine scroll,” which ultimately led to the establishment of the Tiểu Đạo sect and his receipt of the three sacred texts.
If Độc Cô Cầu Bại is indeed Tiểu Đạo Tử, then the mysteries within the narrative can be interpreted more coherently. Many readers might wonder, “If Độc Cô Cầu Bại is Tiểu Đạo Tử, how could he have lived for several centuries?” In fact, Dương Quá once mentioned to Chu Bá Thông that: “This elder brother does not know that he has lived for hundreds of years already, and he is even older than anyone here!” This might imply that Jin Yong subtly hinted at this matter.
Conclusion
