The classic martial arts novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils is gaining renewed attention following the explosive scandal involving Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of Shaolin Temple.
On July 28, Chinese state media reported that Shi Yongxin had been dismissed from his post due to alleged criminal activity and embezzlement. The former abbot is also accused of having affairs with dozens of women and fathering over 100 illegitimate children, severely violating Buddhist monastic codes. The case is now under joint investigation by China’s Religious Affairs Bureau, Public Security Bureau, and the Central Discipline Inspection Commission.
The scandal has sent shockwaves across China—and netizens quickly turned to Jin Yong’s wuxia epic, which now feels strangely prophetic. In particular, a scene from the 1997 TVB adaptation of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils has gone viral. In the drama, the villainous monk Jiumozhi challenges monks at Shaolin Temple and uncovers that four of them are actually women disguised as men. With scorn, he exclaims:
“Shaolin not only wins by numbers but hides women within its ranks. So much for centuries of honor!”
This fictional line from decades ago now echoes the real-world controversy. The line has resurfaced with millions of views and discussions on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, bringing back attention to actor Lee Kwok-Lun, who portrayed Jiumozhi in the 1997 series.
Fans are also pointing out similar plotlines in the 2003 adaptation, where Abbot Xuanci secretly fathers a child (Xuzhu) with one of the “Four Great Evils,” Madame Ye Erniang—another example of Shaolin’s image being challenged in fiction, now eerily reflected in reality.
Shi Yongxin had long been a powerful religious and cultural figure. Once lauded for transforming the once-dilapidated Shaolin Temple into a global cultural brand, Shi headed 18 companies and registered over 700 trademarks, covering sectors like real estate, cuisine, and cultural media. Under his leadership, the temple became a commercial empire worth hundreds of billions of yuan.
Shi claimed a modest monk’s salary of 700 RMB, yet was seen wearing a 160,000 RMB silk robe and riding in a donated Audi Q7, alongside ownership of 15 luxury vehicles—allegedly gifts from supporters. He justified these as necessary for cultural exchanges and temple operations.
Back in 2015, Shi’s former disciple Shi Yanlu had already raised concerns, accusing him of embezzlement, holding dual household registrations, and leading a chaotic personal life. However, those allegations were dismissed due to a “lack of evidence” at the time.
Now, as investigations move forward, the uncanny resemblance between Jin Yong’s fictional Shaolin secrets and real-world revelations has sparked intense debate and cultural reflection. In a case of life imitating art, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils is no longer just a martial arts fantasy—it’s become a mirror to current events.
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