“The realm lies hidden, and the phoenix may never return. Schemes arise, and love and hatred know no end.”
Jiang Jianwei: A discarded daughter of the cold palace in the Eastern Ling Kingdom. Raised in the cold palace, she has endured in silence for ten years, determined to uncover the truth behind her mother's death. Brilliant and perceptive, she despises power because she knows all too well how cruel palace struggles can be.
Xie Guihong: A hostage prince from the Western Liang Kingdom. He appears gentle and refined, but keeps his true nature hidden. Burdened by a family curse, he secretly plots to restore his kingdom. An assassination attempt leads him to form a secret alliance with Jiang Jianwei.
From the palace to the martial world, the two join forces to unravel the layers of intrigue surrounding the four kingdoms:
Palace secrets: The truth behind the empress's death is tied to a conspiracy spanning more than twenty years.
Martial-world feuds: Behind the most powerful sect in the martial world, the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, lies the shadow of the four kingdoms' schemes.
The hatred between nations: The fall of Western Liang and the rise of Eastern Ling conceal a secret bargain.
They trust one another, yet test each other because their loyalties conflict. They stand by each other through life and death, yet part ways when their ideals diverge.
“No kingdom is greater than your smile. The phoenix may never return, because my heart belongs to you.”
She ascends the throne as empress and protects the realm. He withdraws to the martial world in search of the purity he longs for.
This is a contest of schemes and love, and a choice between fate and ideals.
“If fate has destined us to walk in opposite directions, then I'll make the world my chessboard and trade it for a lifetime of peace for you.”
