First published between 1968 and 1981, the five novels have since been adapted into seven films and 18 television series as of 2020[update].
The blade of the dagger is three cun and seven fen long (13.7cm).
It is forged from ordinary steel and iron, unlike other fictional weapons forged from special materials.
It ranks third in the Book of Weapons (兵器譜).
Duoqing Jianke Wuqing Jian (多情劍客無情劍; 'Sentimental Swordsman', 'Ruthless Sword') (published in 1968) Biancheng Langzi (邊城浪子; 'Bordertown Wanderer') (published in 1972) Jiuyue Yingfei (九月鷹飛; 'Eagle Soaring in the Ninth Month') (published in 1973) Tianya Mingyue Dao (天涯‧明月‧刀; 'Horizon', 'Bright Moon', 'Saber') (published in 1974) Feidao, Youjian Feidao (飛刀，又見飛刀; 'Flying Dagger', 'Flying Dagger Appears Again') (published in 1981)