Wu Cheng'en
The most well known examples of "shenmo" fiction are "Journey to the West" ("Xiyouji") and "The Investiture of the Gods" ("Fengshen yanyi"). "Journey to the West" in particular is considered by Chinese literary critics as the "chef-d'oeuvre" of "shenmo" novels. The novel's authorship is attributed to Wu Cheng'en and was first published in 1592 by Shitedang, a Ming publishing house. The popularity of "Journey to the West" inspired a series of "shenmo" copycats that borrowed plot elements from the book.