Ling Wu Chung - already famous at the beginning of SPW?

[Ken Cheng]

Most of Jin Yong's young protagonists start off as unknowns in wulin. Deun Yu (except in his capacity as a prince of the Dali Kingdom), Hui Juk, Gwok Jing, Yeung Gor, and Cheung Mo Gei started off their stories as complete unknowns in wulin. Kiu Fung was an exception because he was older, already a seasoned wulin veteran, Chief of the Beggar's Union, and one of the most powerful fighters of his time.

Then we have Ling Wu Chung. From what I have gathered, it seems that most of wulin had at least heard of him by the time that Jin Yong begins relating his adventures. Ling Wu Chung is not a wulin elite or the leader of a major sect at the beginning of his story, but apparently, his position as eldest disciple of the Mt. Hua Sect has already given him a measure of wulin fame even before he has accomplished much in wulin.

[Western Eccentric]

Yeeep he is quite "familiar" in wulin at least between 5 Swords Sect..