A Dragon's Map in Troubled Times

Title: The Dragon's Map in Troubled Times

Core theme: The code of honor among martial artists and the greater duty to one's country amid shifts in power. Legendary weapons and martial arts secrets provide the thread connecting the rival forces vying for dominance at the end of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

I. Historical Background and Setting

The story takes place during the Xiande era of the Later Zhou (954–960), on the eve of Zhao Kuangyin's founding of the Northern Song. The Later Zhou rules the Central Plains, while the Khitan (Liao) eye the north hungrily. In the south, the Southern Tang, Later Shu, Wuyue, and other separatist regimes still hold sway. The period is marked by:

Political turmoil: Dynasties in the Central Plains rise and fall in quick succession, while military commanders build up their own power. The Later Zhou's imperial guards and frontier forces, for example, scheme against one another.

The rise of the martial world: In times of chaos, martial arts sects become a force for maintaining order, while both orthodox and unorthodox factions seize the opportunity to expand their influence.

The threat of foreign powers: The Khitan, Tibetans, and other foreign groups lie in wait to invade the south and collude with forces in the Central Plains.

II. The Power Structure

1. Martial Arts Sects

The Ten Orthodox Sects: Shaolin, Wudang, Emei, Huashan, Kunlun, Kongtong, Diancang, Qingcheng, Zhongnan, and Wangwu are their leading representatives. They uphold the ideal of “restoring the Han imperial house,” but differences in their beliefs divide them into hardliners and moderates.

The Eight Unorthodox Sects: These include Lihen Valley (an assassin organization), Three-Inch Lotus (a poison arts sect), Yishui Huan (an assassination group), Blood Saber Sect, Xingxiu Sect, Five Poisons Cult, Western Regions Vajra Sect, and Tianyin Cult. These groups are largely driven by self-interest and collude with the Khitan and the eunuch faction.

2. The Court and the Great Clans

Court factions:

The eunuch faction: It controls the inner court and works with unorthodox sects to seize the Imperial Jade Seal.

Commander of the Imperial Guard: The head of the Later Zhou's imperial troops, secretly...