Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü develop romantic feelings for each other, but their romance is forbidden by the prevailing norms of the wulin (martial artists' community).

Throughout the story, their love meets with several tests, such as the misunderstandings that threaten to tear them apart, and their encounter with Gongsun Zhi, whom Xiaolongnü almost marries at one point.

Finally, after their reunion and marriage, Xiaolongnü leaves Yang Guo again, owing to her belief she cannot recover from a fatal poison and promises to meet him again 16 years later, to prevent him from committing suicide.

While Yang Guo is wandering the wulin alone, he meets several formidable martial artists and a giant eagle, and improves his skills tremendously after learning from them.

The 18 volume comic series was illustrated by Wee Tian Beng and translated by Jean Lim with Jin Yong's approval.

The lavishly illustrated series won the Prestigious Award in 1997 during the Asian Comics Conference held in South Korea.