It was winter in the fourth year of Emperor Gaozong's reign in the Song Dynasty.
In the west of Hangzhou, fine snowflakes are floating in Linjia Lane. This once prosperous street is now nothing but desolate and chilly. The archway at the entrance of the alley is already mottled, and the four characters "Loyalty and Righteousness" are faintly visible on it.
Fourteen-year-old Lin Yuanfeng stood alone in front of the gate of Lin Mansion, looking at the closed red lacquer door with mixed feelings in his heart. That night three years ago, seventy-three members of the Lin family died tragically overnight. Only he survived because he was studying with his master. Then a voice came from behind: "Master, I think I shouldn't come back."
