Set in the final years of the Northern Song dynasty, this story blends orthodox Daoist occult arts, including talismans, alchemy, astronomy, and geomancy, with the power struggles of families devoted to esoteric arts. Lin Zhao, a concubine-born son, uncovers the truth behind “upholding the Dao through esoteric arts” amid a struggle over secret texts, ultimately moving beyond political intrigue to return to the true purpose of protecting others.
