Jin Yong's heroes will live on imparting their values, spirit

A modern Chinese literary giant left us on Tuesday. Louis Cha Leung-yung, better known by his pen name Jin Yong, was one of the greatest modern authors of Chinese fiction and revered by fans around the world as the father of the many of the kung fu heroes that they have come to love.

Through his timeless portrayals of various heroes in dynastic China's wuxia, or martial arts, world - and their depiction in many popular movies, TV and radio series, video games and comic books - he became a household name among Chinese. It has been said he is the world's most read Chinese author, and certainly his books have taught generations of readers about the importance of values, such as compassion, honesty, perseverance, righteousness and patriotism.

Some people say his passing marks the end of an era in Chinese martial arts fiction, but countless more believe the heroes he created will live forever.