The Eight Steps of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils

Xiao Yi, a Khitan, is sent by order of Emperor Yelü Zongzhen of the Great Liao to become a Shaolin disciple. His mission is to one day lead an army south into the Central Plains and serve as an inside man.

Xiao Yi is a martial arts prodigy, blessed with exceptional talent. Under the tutelage of his master, Xuan Quan, he becomes a formidable fighter, surpassing his teacher. He also becomes a disciple of Wang Jiantong, leader of the Beggars' Sect, and eventually takes over as its leader. Though Emperor Yelü Hongji of Liao orders Xiao Yi to destroy Shaolin and the Beggars' Sect, two key pillars of the Central Plains martial world, Xiao Yi was raised by his two masters to be a chivalrous hero of noble character, and refuses to obey.

Furious, Yelü Hongji sends men to expose Xiao Yi's origins, forcing him to wander the martial world. He then personally leads an elite army through Yanmen Pass.

To make the Liao emperor withdraw, Xiao Yi captures Yelü Hongji on the battlefield and forces him to promise to return to the capital and recall his troops. Xiao Yi drinks poison and takes his own life, but is saved by a master.

Against all odds, Xiao Yi resolves the crisis facing the Beggars' Sect, puts down the Tibetan rebellion, dismantles the Mani religion, and averts a catastrophe in the Central Plains martial world.

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.