The Nine Heavens Continent is home to five nations: Cangyun in the far north, Huochi in the far south, Shuixi in the far east, Jinyu in the far west, and Nifang in the center. (North of Cangyun lies a frozen wasteland called Mount Hades, where many living dead are said to dwell. On the islands east of Shuixi, people who devour souls are rumored to be active. These two sects are ruthless and once bathed the entire continent in blood...)
Sects: Every nation has its own cultivation sects. It is said that the immortal masters there can control objects in flight and summon wind and rain. Every family takes pride in having a child join one of these sects. The most famous are listed below.
Cangyun: Qingyun Sect, led by Master Changqing. Its secret arts are the Qingyun Swordsmanship and Qingyun Technique, and its treasured sect weapon is the Qingyun Sword.
Huochi: Blazing Flame Sect, led by Daoist Liuyan. Its secret arts are the Thunderclap Flame Blade and Crimson Flame Technique, and its treasured sect weapon is the Blazing Flame Blade.
Shuixi: Icewater Pool, led by Hermit Miaoruo. Its secret manuals are the River-Splitting Swordsmanship and Condensing Water Art, and its treasured sect weapon is the Blade of Extreme Cold.
Jinyu: Gold Gathering Cave, led by the monk Sajin. Its secret manuals are the Mountain-Splitting Spear Art and Golden Armor Technique, and its treasured sect weapon is the Mountain-Piercing Silver Spear.
Nifang: Seven Sects Hall, led by Qiudao Lan. Its secret manuals are the Earth-Splitting Staff Art and Seven Radiances Technique, and its treasured sect weapon is the Bright Silver Coiling Dragon Staff.
Overseas Islands: God-Devouring Hall, leader unknown. Its manuals and techniques are unknown. It disappeared long ago.
Mount Hades: Godslayer Hall, led by Zhangsun Wuhen. Its secret manuals are the Soul-Draining Bone-Breaking Sword and Blood Fiend Divine Art, and its treasured sect weapon is the Soul-Seizing Banner.
How will Li Xuanji grow amid all this intrigue and danger...?
