Turbulent Times: A Tale of Two Heroes

Zhu Yuanzhang sat in the imperial palace of the Great Ming Dynasty, his expression grave as he reviewed memorials. Candlelight flickered gently in the breeze, illuminating his furrowed brow. Suddenly, a mysterious light burst into view inside the palace, instantly flooding the entire space with brightness like daylight. Zhu Yuanzhang felt a sharp pain in his eyes, and then boundless darkness swept over him as his consciousness gradually faded.

When Zhu Yuanzhang regained consciousness, the blazing sunlight made him squint. He struggled to open his eyes and found himself in an unfamiliar wilderness. A howling gale swept past, whipping up clouds of dust that made it almost impossible to keep his eyes open. Looking down, he saw that he was dressed in coarse hemp clothes and holding a battered spear. Its shaft was mottled with rust, as if it had weathered countless battles.