Shattered Star, Blade Shadow

In the middle years of the Great Jing Dynasty, undercurrents run deep throughout the martial world. A hundred years ago, the “Guardians of the Realm,” who protected the royal family, mysteriously perished. All that remained was the Star-Sunder Blade, a weapon said to cleave gold and jade, whose blade conceals a secret powerful enough to overturn the world.

Shen Yan, a young man from the borderlands, was raised by a reclusive swordsman. He mastered a swift blade, but after his entire family is suddenly slaughtered, he is forced to enter the martial world carrying half of a damaged sword manual. He has no idea that the crescent-shaped birthmark on his back is the mark of a descendant of the Guardians of the Realm.

As he pursues the truth, Shen Yan is repeatedly targeted by assassins. Along the way, he unexpectedly meets Su Ningshuang, the Demon Sect’s Holy Maiden, who bears a blood feud, and Xie Linzhou, a scion of a great family who seems carefree but is remarkably clever. From suspicion to companionship, the three unravel layers of intrigue amid flashing blades: the all-powerful Prince of the North has secretly allied with the mysterious organization known as the Shadow Pavilion, plotting to seize the Star-Sunder Blade and rule the world. And the Guardians’ destruction a century ago is tied to a royal secret buried long ago.

As the full truth about the Star-Sunder Blade gradually comes to light, Shen Yan must face not only the martial world’s righteous and wicked factions, but also make a choice between family, honor, and the greater good of his country. His blade cuts through the long night, pointing toward the heart of a conspiracy, and the destiny that awaits him.