Set in 13th-century China against the backdrop of the
Mongol Empire's
expansion, the story follows
Yang Guo, the orphaned son of the characters
Yang Kang and
Mu Nianci from the
previous novel. After his mother’s death, Yang Guo is taken in by the couple
Guo Jing and
Huang Rong, but tensions arise due to his parentage and temperament. He is sent to the
Quanzhen Sect, where he suffers mistreatment under his master, Zhao Zhijing. Yang Guo eventually flees and encounters
Xiaolongnü, the reclusive master of the
Ancient Tomb Sect. She takes him as her apprentice, and the two develop a deep romantic bond as they train together in isolation. Considered taboo in the
wulin, their romance is further strained by a series of misunderstandings and external conflicts. Xiaolongnü is sexually assaulted by a Quanzhen member, leading to a mistaken belief that Yang Guo is responsible, and she leaves him. During their separation, Yang Guo wanders around, encountering various figures, including two of the top five martial artists in the
wulin –
Hong Qigong and
Ouyang Feng, both of whom die after a final duel witnessed by him. Yang Guo later reunites with Xiaolongnü, but their attempts to remain together are thwarted by opposition from prominent members of the
wulin and repeated crises, including interference from the villainous
Jinlun Guoshi. Refusing to abandon Xiaolongnü, Yang Guo rejects a proposed marriage to the Guos' elder daughter Guo Fu and openly defies social convention. While seeking a cure for a deadly poison, the pair become entangled in the affairs of Gongsun Zhi, the ruthless master of Passionless Valley, and his estranged wife Qiu Qianchi. Yang Guo briefly turns against the Guos after learning of his father's past, but ultimately abandons thoughts of revenge after witnessing Guo Jing's heroic actions. During the
defence of Xiangyang against the Mongols, Yang Guo aids the Guos, demonstrating his growing sense of loyalty and righteousness. Amidst the turmoil, Yang Guo loses his right arm and later trains under the Condor, a giant eagle-like creature associated with the legendary swordsman
Dugu Qiubai, and not only overcomes his disability but also tremendously improves his prowess in martial arts. Xiaolongnü is gravely poisoned and, believing herself beyond saving, leaves Yang Guo after promising to meet him again in 16 years. To give him hope, Huang Rong fabricates a story that Xiaolongnü can be cured elsewhere. During the intervening years, Yang Guo becomes known as the "Divine Condor Hero", roaming the
wulin and performing acts of chivalry. 16 years later, he reunites with Xiaolongnü, who has survived and recovered. Together, they rescue the Guos' younger daughter Guo Xiang from Jinlun Guoshi and assist in the final defence of Xiangyang. During the battle, Yang Guo singlehandedly kills the Mongol leader
Möngke Khan and temporarily halts the Mongol invasion. After the conflict, Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü withdraw from the
wulin. At a later gathering on
Mount Hua, a new generation of the "Five Greats" – the top five martial artists in the
wulin – is recognised, with Yang Guo and Guo Jing counted among them. Yang Guo ultimately departs with Xiaolongnü to live in seclusion, while the wider struggle against the Mongols continues beyond the novel's scope. == Characters ==