Glossary

This article will serve as a **glossary of terms** that are mentioned in *Remnants of Filth*. Information may also be derived from the English Editions's glossary and the Glossary of Terms in Wuxia, Xianxia and Xuanhuan Novels.

## Cultivation

**Cultivation** is the long process of training in martial arts with the goal of becoming immortal or ascending to godhood in mind. Cultivators are practitioners of these martial arts.

### Meridians

**Meridians** are the system of channels and vessels that the body uses to transport spiritual energy.

### Spiritual Energy

**Spiritual** energy, also known as **Qi** (气, *Qì*) is the vital energy which exists in all things.

### Spiritual Core

A **spiritual core** is an important aspect in cultivation as it stores a cultivator's spiritual energy. In other novels, the spiritual core may also be translated as **golden core** (金丹, *Jīndān*).

## Terminology & Practices

### Qinggong

**Qinggong**, (轻功, *Qīnggōng*) also known as "lightness skill," allows the user to move around with heightened agility and swiftness, such as leaping onto tall structures.

### Qiankun

**Qiankun** (乾坤, *Qiánkūn*), meaning "universe." Used for unlimited storage, such as the sleeve of a robe or pouches.

### Talisman

A **talisman** is a strip of paper with different characters and calligraphy drawn on it. It is essentially used to cast a spell, and will disintegrate once activated. Murong Lian remarkably uses a Water Demon Talisman.

### Souls

In Chinese philosophy and religion, humans had three immortal souls or **ethereal souls** (魂, *Hún*) which would leave the body after death, and then seven mortal souls or **corporeal souls** (魄, *Pò*) that would remain with the body of the deceased. Each soul is in control of different aspects of a person's being, ranging from their physical function and sensation, to their consciousness and memory. This concept is also explained in *The Husky and His White Cat Shizun*.

Before being sent back to Chonghua, two of Gu Mang's corporeal souls, which governed over his memory and mind respectively, were removed. This caused him to lose his memories and the power of speech. An overseer trained him in speech for two years after he was sent to Luomei Pavilion, however there are still words that he does not understand.

### Gu

Gu (蛊, *gǔ*) refers to any sorcery that harms humans. The Liao Kingdom and Sishu Terrace uses gu worms on Gu Mang while tempering and experimenting on his body.

### Nine Provinces

The **Nine Provinces** (九州, *Jiǔzhōu*) represent China as a whole.

### Cowrie Shells

*Main article: Cowrie Shell*
**Cowrie shells** (贝币, *Bèi Bì*) is the currency used in *Remnants of Filth*.

### Concubinage

In ancient Chinese times, it was a common practice for wealthy men to practice polygamy. In a polygamous family, a man can only have one "di" (嫡, *Dí*) wife, also known as the official or head wife. She shares an equal status with her husband. The sons of the di wife are prioritized over the sons of the "shu" (庶, *Shù*) wives—the wives whose status is inferior to the head wife—, especially in matters of inheritance.

### Dragon Boat Festival

The **Dragon Boat Festival** (端午节, *Duānwǔ Jié*) is a traditional Chinese holiday with customs such as eating sticky rice dumplings or *zongzi*, dragon boat racing, and so on.

## Plant Symbolism

### Lotus

In Chinese culture, a lotus flower symbolizes enlightenment and purity of the heart and mind.

### Paulownia Tomentosa

Also known as the foxglove tree, and is Murong Lian's favorite plant. *Paulownia tomentosa* symbolizes and "eternal waiting" (specifically that of a secret admirer) and "awaiting your love" in flower language. According to Wikipedia, *Paulownia* are succeeded by taller trees that shade it and in whose shade cannot thrive.

### Foxtail Grass

Symbolizes "endurance," "unknown sorrows," and "secret, silent love." Gu Mang would notably play with foxtail grass, especially in flashbacks.

## Units of Measurements

### Shichen

Measures two hours, also known as "double hour" or "Chinese hour." Days are divided into twelve two-hour intervals, and each of these intervals (shichen) are associated with a specific term.

## Mythical Figures & Creatures

### Fuxi

He is revered in Chinese mythology as the god of civilization and invention, as he created humanity together with his sister and wife Nüwa, and invented many things such as music.

### Shennong

A deity in Chinese mythology who is said to have taught agriculture and herbal medicine to the ancient Chinese people.

### Xihe

A solar goddess in Chinese mythology who is often used in literary reference to the sun.

### Wangshu

A lunar goddess in Chinese mythology who is often used in literary reference to the sun.

### Shangao

A type of pig monster in Chinese mythology. Mo Xi's description of it is: *"It's an ancient, evil beast. It looks like a pig, red as fire, and it usually doesn't enjoy doing much, except for cursing people out."* Gu Mang mentally notes that a shangao's hobbies were quite similar to Mo Xi's.

### Jiangshi

A **jiangshi** (僵尸, *Jiāngshī*) is a reanimated corpse which feeds on the Qi of living people.

## References

2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 English Edition Glossary
3. ↑ Novel, Chapter 11: Slave Collar
4. ↑ Baidu Baike, Dishu
5. ↑ Wikipedia, Dragon Boat Festival
6. ↑ Zhuanlan, *Paulownia*
7. ↑ Wikipedia, *Paulownia tomentosa*
8. ↑ Novel, Chapter 125: Severe Injury (Translator Footnotes)
9. ↑ Wikipedia, Fuxi
10. ↑ Novel, Chapter 79: Chattery Little Pig Monster (Author's Notes)
11. ↑ Novel, Chapter 79: Chattery Little Pig Monster