GD Glossary
I’ve been working on this novel since late 2023 and has moved in and out of three sites so far. Therefore, there might be some terms that I forgot to include; feel free to remind me!
Beware of spoilers!
THE REALMS
Heavenly Realm: The realm of gods, celestial officials, and spirits who serve the Heavenly Emperor Xuanqing and Queen Mother of the West Kunyi. Can also be called the Heavenly Palace. Consider it as an extension of the Immortal Realm, like a separate area for governance.
Immortal Realm: A mystical, ethereal world where immortals reside after achieving immortality through Daoist cultivation or other spiritual practices.
Mortal Realm: Also known as the Middle Realm. This is the world where mortals, like humans and other ordinary creatures, live. Our world.
Demon Realm: Where the Demon Clan live, ruled by the Demon King. The Demon Realm tend to take a neutral stance between the Heavenly and Devil Realms’ conflict.
Devil Realm: The domain for evil creatures, fallen gods, and other malevolent beings who oppose the divine order. A barren world where sun does not shine. Ruled by the Three Lords—Xuanjing, Luo Qing, and Jing Kexin—after the Devil Lord Guanshang’s demise.
Underworld: Where ghosts reside. The majority of the realm is under the Palace of the Dead, managed by the Ten Kings of the Dead, but there’s a small portion under the Netherworld Lord.
THE CREATURES
Demon or Spirit: Refers to creatures or objects that have absorbed spiritual energy and transformed into supernatural beings. This includes animals, plants, or inanimate objects that gain sentience and magical powers. Known for being mischievous, seductive, or trickster-like rather than purely evil.
Devil: Represents entities of destruction and evil, often in opposition to righteousness or celestial order.
Immortal: Refers to an immortal, transcendent being, or celestial figure in Chinese culture and mythology. It is a central concept in Taoism (Daoism) and Chinese folklore, representing individuals who have achieved spiritual enlightenment and eternal life.
Human: Human, person, people. You and I.
CELESTIAL RANK
Divine Venerable: Deities who are ancient, primordial, or hold a position of ultimate authority. The term emphasizes reverence and sacredness. Changying and Zhuyou are the only ones left of the ancient gods after the great war 5,000 years ago.
Heavenly Emperor: The highest authority in the celestial hierarchy, ruling over the Immortal Realm and make sure to keep peace of all realms.
Divine Lord: Immortals who rise in rank through contribution and cultivation levels. The one most often mentioned in the Great Demon is the Evil-Punisher Divine Lord.
CULTIVATION SECT STATUS
Shizun: Teacher/master.
Shixiong/Shige: Older martial brother. For senior male members of one’s own sect.
Shijie: Older martial sister. For senior female members of one’s own sect.
Shidi: Younger martial brother. For junior male members of one’s own sect.
Shimei: Younger martial sister. For junior female members of one’s own sect.
Shibo: The literal meaning is “martial uncle.” It refers to older martial brothers of one’s own master.
Shishu: The literal meaning is “martial uncle,” yet it’s gender-neutral. It refers to both male and female—older and younger—martial siblings of one’s own master.