One day in 2018, a copy of The Legend of the Condor Heroes fell on a girl's head from a bookshelf at home. She opened the book, and thus began her journey into the world of Wuxia fantasy.
Eleni Mak, one of Hong Kong's outstanding teens in 2025, published her own Wuxia novel, Mañjusaka, at the age of 15. This book became the bestseller at the 2024 book fair organized by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, with over 500 copies sent to libraries across primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong.
"I have been fascinated by Chinese history and literature since childhood," Mak shared. "The works of Jin Yong have inspired me greatly and ignited my desire to create."
For Eleni Mak, the essence of martial arts stories lies in "love." It is love that drives heroes to bravely navigate the rivers and lakes. "This love isn't limited to romantic relationships; it also encompasses brotherhood and family bonds. That's why I chose love as the central theme in my work," she explained.
If she could travel into the world of Wuxia, Mak expressed a desire to become a wandering female swordsman, always ready to "draw her sword to help those in need."
Looking to the future, Mak hopes to create more stories that resonate with readers. "I wish to continue passing on Wuxia culture and hope to inspire even more readers."
(Reporter: Kiki, Felcia Li / Videographer, Video Editor: Jack Wang / Editor: Kiki / Cover Design: Billy)
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