Fengshen Yanyi

Author: Xu Zhonglin (Ming Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: The Investiture of the Gods (Fengshen Yanyi) is the original 100-capter book with over 600,000 words, traditionally attributed to Xu Zhonglin of the Ming Dynasty. The Investiture of the Gods follows the struggles between the ancient Chinese Shang and Zhou dynasties as its main plot, depicting numerous tales of immortal and celestial battles. It features fantastical elements and captivating plots, having been widely read and passed down for centuries. The book vividly portrays the tyrannical and debauched crimes of King Zhou, yet it suggests his downfall was predestined by heaven. The rewritten version emphasizes the depiction of King Zhou's crimes, removes the predestined discussions, and aims to enhance the book's critique of feudal tyrants and its educational value. A significant portion of The Investiture of the Gods consists of tales of immortal and celestial battles. The original book's theme revolves around the suffering of immortals and the conflict between the two sects, the Xuanzang and Jie, respectively. The rewritten version portrays them as representatives of justice and injustice, focusing on the social implications of the immortal battles.