The world was divided into four nations: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, locked in a standoff. Though peace reigned on the surface, undercurrents stirred beneath it. Before long, the First World War broke out. In the end, Summer emerged as the greatest victor, reaching the peak of its territorial size and national power. Winter was not the biggest winner, but still reaped considerable gains. Spring refused to take part in the war and sealed its borders, adopting the policy: “If you do not attack me, I will not attack you.” Autumn had once been the foremost of the four nations, but suffered devastating losses in the war and fell into a period of decline.
Unwilling to live under the rule of other nations, some people founded various sects, including Qingyun Pavilion, Bloodcloud Hall, Luoshan Academy, and the Hundred Herbs Sect, as well as an assassins’ guild. The guild brought together disciples from all kinds of sects and schools. It cared nothing for a person’s background: anyone with the necessary skills could join.
