In the chaotic final years of the Tang dynasty, Shen Yan, a carpenter’s apprentice from Qingxi Village, is swept into the tides of history thanks to his superb woodworking skills and his nascent ability to sense “source energy.” Using techniques from the Woodcraft Classic, he improves waterwheels and solves irrigation problems for his neighbors. He repairs grain-transport equipment using “celestial craft patterns” from prehistoric ruins, helping the Jiangnan alliance open up supply routes. And amid the turmoil of warlord rule and eunuch corruption, he uses source-energy technology to forge defensive weapons and escort Emperor Zhaozong of Tang to safety, becoming a key force in putting down Zhu Wen’s rebellion.
But an archaeological discovery on the banks of the Huai River completely changes the course of his life. “Stellar coordinates” in murals at the Taihu ruins, a prehistoric “source-energy nexus” beneath Chang’an, and components of a “stellar teleportation array” capable of connecting civilizations across the universe reveal the hidden links between Earth, prehistoric civilizations, and interstellar peoples. Shen Yan transforms from a “craftsman in a chaotic age” into a “guardian of source energy.” Together with Qin Bo, a master woodworker; Lin Qingyan, a scholar of ancient texts; Lin Mo, a young crafting prodigy; and others, he works to unite the forces of late Tang China and end the wars between warlords, while also uncovering the secrets of “source-energy balance” left behind by prehistoric civilizations.
When the invaders of the Dark Source Civilization break through the Solar System, when void rifts threaten the cosmic source-energy network, and when the truth behind the Shadow Clan’s betrayal comes to light, Shen Yan leads Earth’s civilization and its interstellar allies, including the Source Energy Federation and the Stardust Civilization. Bound by “the inheritance of craftsmanship” and guided by the belief that “the people’s livelihood comes first,” they build the cross-civilization “Star Network Guardian Alliance.” They reinforce interstellar warships with woodworking patterns, break void seals with the wisdom of ancient texts, and wield source energy
