In the tenth year of the Daye era under Emperor Yang of Sui, seventy-two streams of black energy rose from Mount Zhongnan, streaked across the sky, and scattered throughout the world. They were seventy-two incarnations of the ancient evil dragon, bent on sowing chaos and stoking popular resentment to hasten the revival of its true body.
That same year, Li Changsheng, a young Taoist priest from Ziyang Temple on Mount Zhongnan, and his junior sister Qingluan received their master's orders to descend the mountain. Carrying the temple's treasures, the Wordless Heavenly Book, the Twelve Spirit Chess Pieces, and the Demon-Sealing Casket, they set out to track down the seventy-two incarnations of the ancient evil dragon and help Li Shimin, the one chosen by Heaven, establish a new golden age.
When Li Shimin was short of advisers, Li Changsheng pointed to Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, tied up behind him on a cart, and said, “Erlang, these two brilliant talents are my gift to you!”
When Li Shimin needed military commanders, Li Changsheng spent three taels of silver to buy a slave as big as a black iron pagoda. “Erlang, don't worry. I've brought you a fierce general!”
When Li Shimin hesitated, Li Changsheng tossed the Twelve Spirit Chess Pieces onto the board. “Prince of Qin, the omens are excellent! Make your move!”
Years later, after Li Shimin had finally established the glorious Tang dynasty he had dreamed of, he once again received a report from a eunuch: “Your Majesty, Master Changsheng and Miss Qingluan are preparing to run away again...”
