State of Divinity (2000)
A sweeping Taiwanese wuxia drama adapting Jin Yong's classic novel, filled with rival sects, deadly secrets, and unforgettable swordsmanship.
State of Divinity - Series Information
- Original Title: 笑傲江湖
- First Air Year: 2000
- Last Air Year: 2000
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 52
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: CTV
- Alternative Titles: 동방불패 1999 (KR), Xiao Ao Jianghu (CN)
- Production Countries: Taiwan
State of Divinity - Plot
The story's initial development revolves around a coveted martial arts manual known as the Bixie Swordplay Manual. The manual has been passed down as an heirloom in the Lin family, who runs the Fuwei Escort Agency based in Fuzhou. Yu Canghai, the leader of the Qingcheng Sect, leads his followers to massacre the Lins and seize the manual for himself but does not find it. Lin Pingzhi, the sole survivor of the Lin family, is rescued by Yue Buqun, head of the Mount Hua Sect, one of the members of the Five Mountains Sword Sects Alliance. Yue Buqun accepts Lin Pingzhi as a student and trains him in swordplay.
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State of Divinity - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Anita Yuen Wing-Yee as Ren Yingying
- Richie Jen as Linghu Chong
- David Chiang Da-Wei as Qu Yang
- Vivian Chen as Yue Lingshan
- Leanne Liu as Dongfang Bubai
- Norman Tsui Siu-Keung as Xiang Wentian
- Chang Fu-Chien as Liu Zhengfeng
- Eddie Koo Koon Chung as Zuo Lengchan
- Lee Li-Chun as Ren Woxing
- Sun Xing as Tian Boguang
State of Divinity - FAQs
Is State of Divinity based on a true story?
State of Divinity is not based on a true story. It adapts Jin Yong's beloved wuxia novel The Smiling Proud Wanderer (笑傲江湖), first published in 1967. The story is entirely fictional, set in a richly imagined martial arts world of rival sects, hidden manuals, and complex loyalties.
Who plays Linghu Chong and Ren Yingying in State of Divinity?
Richie Jen takes on the role of the free-spirited swordsman Linghu Chong, while Anita Yuen Wing-Yee portrays the formidable Ren Yingying. Their on-screen chemistry is one of the most talked-about aspects of this 2000 Taiwanese adaptation of Jin Yong's classic novel.
What is State of Divinity about?
The series centers on a deadly struggle over the Bixie Swordplay Manual, a coveted martial arts text that triggers massacres and power plays among rival sects. Lin Pingzhi, the sole survivor of his slaughtered family, is taken in by the Mount Hua Sect, setting off a sweeping tale of revenge, loyalty, and betrayal.
Where can I watch State of Divinity online?
Streaming availability for State of Divinity varies by region. For the most up-to-date viewing options — including streaming, rental, and purchase platforms available where you are — check JustWatch, which aggregates current availability across all major services.
Who is Dongfang Bubai in State of Divinity?
Dongfang Bubai, one of wuxia fiction's most iconic and enigmatic figures, is portrayed by Leanne Liu in this adaptation. The character is the supreme leader of the Sun Moon Holy Cult, renowned for near-invincible martial arts skills and a deeply layered, gender-fluid identity that has fascinated audiences across decades of adaptations.
How many episodes does State of Divinity have?
State of Divinity ran for a single season comprising 52 episodes, each approximately 45 minutes long. The generous episode count allowed the production to explore Jin Yong's sprawling novel in considerable depth, giving space to its large ensemble cast and intricate web of sect rivalries.
What are similar shows to State of Divinity?
Fans of State of Divinity often enjoy other wuxia and historical Chinese dramas such as Sword Snow Stride (2021), Swords of Legends (2014), Chinese Paladin 3 (2009), The Rise of Phoenixes (2018), and Joy of Life (2019). These series share a similar blend of martial arts action, political intrigue, and rich period storytelling.
How was State of Divinity received by audiences?
The 2000 Taiwanese adaptation earned a devoted following across East and Southeast Asia, praised for its strong casting — particularly Richie Jen's charismatic Linghu Chong and Anita Yuen's commanding Ren Yingying. It remains one of the more fondly remembered television versions of Jin Yong's The Smiling Proud Wanderer.
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