Jianghu

The jianghu ( 江湖, jiānghú ) is a society which exists in parallel to that of ordinary people and the mainstream. It encompasses the community of martial artists, who may chose to gather as clans, families, sects or some combination thereof to pass down certain styles or schools of martial arts, gangs made up of individuals sharing a common occupation and organizations offering their services to the people of the jianghu. It also includes wandering heroes, physicians, craftsmen and merchants independent of such groups but who chose to operate within this society. The jianghu has its own set of code of conduct and practices; most prominent is the separation from the State and its governing Court.

Novel

 * Jiangzuo Alliance ( 江左盟, Jiāngzuǒ méng ) and its members:
 * Green Helms of the Canals ( 运河青舵, yùnhé qīng duò )
 * Walkers Sect ( 脚行帮, jiǎo háng bāng )
 * Tianji Hall ( 天机堂, tiān jī táng )
 * Emei ( 峨嵋, Éméi )
 * Eyun School ( 遏云派, È yún pài )
 * Hanhai Sword ( 瀚海剑 or 翰海剑, hàn hǎi jiàn )
 * Langya Hall ( 琅琊阁, Lángyá gé )
 * Qianmen Sect ( 乾门, Qián mén )
 * Qiaolong Gang (Cliff Dragon Gang) ( 峭龙帮, qiào lóng bāng )
 * Shaolin ( 少林, shàolín )
 * Tianquan Manor ( 天泉山庄, Tiān quán shānzhuāng )
 * Wudang School ( 武当派, wǔdāng pài )
 * Yaowang Valley ( 药王谷, yào wáng gǔ )

Unrevised novel

 * Rising Wave Union ( 浪腾帮, làng téng bāng )
 * Qianlei School ( 潜雷派, qián léi pài )
 * Glory Armed Escorts ( 扬威镖局, yángwēi biāojú )

Show
One sect appears only in the show:
 * the Double Swords Sect ( 双刹帮, Shuāng shā bāng )