[Fantasy × National Destiny × Emperor × Swordsmanship × Daoist Arts × Court]
He rose from an orphan plagued by hunger and cold to become the most powerful Imperial Preceptor in court, only to quietly return to his hometown one afternoon, where no one recognized him.
That winter, soldiers took everything from Li Yu's family. On the brink of death, he was saved by the old Daoist Qing Xuanzi and taken to a dilapidated temple deep in the mountains. His master taught him magic and told him: Supernatural power is medicine, not a blade. To cultivate, first learn to understand the character for “person,” the one who stands between Heaven and Earth.
Years later, he helped the Dragon Emperor overthrow a rotten regime. He used magic to dig canals and divert water, opened schools to break monopolies, and made it possible for women to serve at court. With his own hands, he created the beginnings of a peaceful world where supernatural power served the people and everyone had a chance to thrive.
At last, having accomplished his mission, he retired and returned home with white hair. In a teahouse in town, a princess spoke of “that benefactor, Mr. Li.” He smiled faintly. “Never heard of him.”
Yet memories surged through him: the cold of death, half a warm bun, thin gruel at the temple, smoke and fire on the battlefield, the shifting tides of court... Every road began that winter, and seemed to lead back to this ordinary afternoon, with smoke curling from the chimneys.
This is a story about loss and gain, power and responsibility, and how, after traveling a long way, one person can finally reconcile with himself and his homeland.
May all the common folk wear robes of jade,
May all the arts of the world serve human life.
The people come first, the Great Dao second;
Immortals and demons shall not deceive us, ghosts and gods shall not harm us.
Wherever laws and disciplines exist, let them protect the people;
Wherever supernatural powers exist, let them preserve the peace.
With this body, I stand between Heaven and Earth,
To protect my people and keep true to my heart!
