I found this manhwa really difficult to read the first time around (though, I have read it up until the current events in New Waves). Partly because I am not new to the concept, Murim/Jianghu or Mu Hyup/Wuxia (or the code of Xia). The author successfully execute many elements of the traditional Chinese Wuxia literature (I mainly enjoy Jin Yong books) and Traditional Wuxia martial art (or fake kungfu as I call them) in a modern day context. I supposed if I am all new to this, I am able to grasp the Korean aspects of them better. But as far as I am to be concern I am reading a English translation of a Korean word that originate in Chinese (that I first learned the concept in my own native language which is another language). Sometimes it is so damn confusing in my head.

Also, I got the vibe from the early translation that the translator is new to wuxia literature regarding said "Dan" or anything number "9" related (3,4,5,6,7, and 9 do show up quite often in wuxia especially 7). 9 Yang and 9 Yin are both fictitious internal martial art manuals that found in Yin Yong. Alot of martial art is rehearse too, I will use a very recent example of Meridian Divine Sword aka the finger sword (or even the snake sword). Well the problem with this is that the name of these martial art skills sound way better in their native language if you could actually understand them. I supposed in Korean/Chinese/etc, they could use nouns as adjective without sounding cheesy and stupid >___< There is translated version in my own language but since I am way too Americanize, I can't read that either. Urghhh...

As a big fan of Wuxia, I enjoy this manhwa tremendously because I am really tired of Chinese wuxia (the newer stuffs sucks and or they just rehash old series over and over). I like the modern twist. Although in a way, this series isn't original, but in another way, it is really innovative in the wuxia/Mu Hyup genre and great writing/art overall. Though, >__< I am a little bit tired that the protagonist keep passing out. I really wish I could see his adaption of the 18 Dragon Subsiding Palms. the Toad Stance (also from Jin Yong but there is a version in Kungfu Hustle if you seen that movie), etc, since he always put a more realistic spin to things.

So anyone of you familiar with Wuxia? Did you find any similarities? Philosophy, culture, techniques, character archetype, etc?

Yeah i am familiar with wuxia thanks to Samuari Deeper kyo, Ruler of the land and Vagabond

I don't know Ruler of the land. I read Samurai Deeper Kyo like the first chapter and is an avid reader of Vagabond.

The Samurai culture is real. In a way Jianghu/Murim is real but not really. Murim can be seen as similar to the underground culture where people live outside the law and have their own set of law. But in reality they are still be affect by the real world law, but only in fictitious world like in the Breakers and or Jin Yong Novels that the government refrain from interfere with the Murim's affair at least in appearance. The recurring theme in wuxia novels is that the government actually want to conquer and subdue the Murim world. In this essence, the Breaker is sort of different but we haven't really seen an actual representation of the government in the series. The only guy we saw is a spy for Black Forest Defense.

ruler of the land is another manhwa, it reminds me of king of hell since they are both similar with the martial arts and the comedy

Yup, I think you guys are right on Ruler of the Land, that series seemed to be a wuxia series. I may picked up on that one.

*Also it seemed the protagonist growing some backbones now*