The classic martial arts novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils is gaining renewed attention following the explosive scandal that involves Shi yongxinthe former abbot of Temple of Shaolin.
On July 28, Chinese state media reported that Shi Yongxin had been fired from his assignment because of the alleged Criminal activity and embezzlement. The former abbot is also accused have business with dozen women AND Offer over 100 illegitimate childrenseriously violating the Buddhist monastic codes. The case is now under the joint investigation of the office for Chinese religious affairs, the public security office and the inspection commission of the central discipline.
The scandal sent shock waves throughout China and Netizen quickly turned to Jin Yong’s Wuxia Epic, who now feels strangely prophetic. In particular, a scene of the TvB adaptation of 1997 From Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils It has become viral. In the drama, the evil monk Jiiozhi challenge the monks a Temple of Shaolin And he discovers that four of them are actually women disguised as men. With contempt, it exclaims:
“Shaolin not only wins in number, but hides women in his ranks. A lot for centuries of honor!”
This imaginary line of decades now echoes the controversy on the real world. The line re -emerged with millions of opinions and discussions on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo, bringing attention to the actor Lee Kwok-Lunwho interpreted Jiiozhi In the 1997 series.
Fans are also underlining similar plots in Adaptation 2003Where Abbot Xuanci secretly a child (Xuzhu) with one of the “four great evils”, Madame Ye Erniang—A other example of Shaolin’s The image is challenged in fiction, now strangely reflected in reality.
Shi yongxin He had long been a powerful religious and cultural figure. Once praised for having transformed the dilicized time Temple of Shaolin in a global cultural brand, Shi Hide 18 companies and recorded over 700 brands, covering sectors such as properties, cuisine and cultural media. Under his guide, the temple became a commercial empire for a value of hundreds of billions of yuan.
Shi He claimed a salary of Monk modest of 700 RMB, but was seen wearing a 160,000 RMB silk guise and riding Audi q7Next to the property of 15 luxury vehicles, gifts attached by supporters. He justified these as necessary for cultural exchanges and temple operations.
In 2015, Shi’s Former disciple Shi Yanlu He had already raised concerns, accusing him of embezzlement, holding double family recordings and leading a chaotic personal life. However, these accusations were rejected due to a “lack of evidence” at the moment.
Now, while the investigations go on, the strange similarity between Jin Yong’s imaginary Shaolin Secrets and revelations of the real world have aroused intense debate and cultural reflection. In a case of life that imitates art, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils It is no longer just a fantasy of martial arts: it has become a mirror for current events.
