The Return of Loulan

Historical background: Set against the decline of the ancient kingdom of Loulan in the late fourth century AD. Historical records state that Northern Wei conquered Loulan in the fifth century, while Lop Nur gradually dried up. The story weaves in real historical developments, including the struggles between the Han and Xiongnu, trade along the Silk Road, and environmental degradation. Xuan Keyi, a 28-year-old modern special forces soldier, is caught in a sandstorm while on a “Lop Nur archaeological protection mission.” His consciousness transmigrates to the general's residence in Loulan, where he takes over the body of a young commander with the same name. The original owner was poisoned for becoming embroiled in a royal coup. As Xuan Keyi awakens to his memories, Loulan is already beset by internal strife and external threats. Using modern military thinking, he reforms Loulan's army and joins forces with Han merchants and the nations of the Western Regions to repel the Xiongnu's counterattack and internal rebellions, hoping to change Loulan's fate and prevent its fall. Loulan's 16-year-old princess, A Guli, carries the “Loulan Flame,” a secret scroll containing maps of the oasis's waterworks. This makes her a target in the power struggle between the Xiongnu and the Yuezhi, and she and Xuan Keyi find mutual salvation amid the crisis.