When heaven and earth first opened, pure qi rose to form the thirty-six celestial provinces, while turbid qi sank to create the Nine Abysses of the Demon Realm. Three thousand years ago, the war between gods and demons tore open the void. As the seal weakened, the insect race surged in from the depths of the star sea, devouring spirit veins and wreaking havoc across the realms. Now, heroes rise throughout the cultivation world, where sects stand everywhere, each vying for resources and the true path, defending their mountain gates in the hope of finding a chance to ascend. Cultivation in the orthodox sects begins with Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment, then climbs step by step toward the heavens. One must cultivate the Dao heart, comprehend the heavenly way, and defeat inner demons; sword cultivators especially prize clarity of mind. The protagonist is a disciple of a minor frontier sect. With an innocent heart, he sets out on the path to immortality. Though his talent is mediocre, his will is iron. He wields his sword to break through obstacles and outwits his rivals, growing stronger against the odds amid insect incursions and sect rivalries. The heroine is the Empress of the Northern Wastes. Cold and commanding, she wields the power of frost and leads the remnants of her territory against foreign enemies. The two meet through the Dao and join forces to protect all living beings. In this world, cause and effect matter, and cultivation is paramount. The Dao has countless forms, but only those whose original hearts never fade can prove themselves on the supreme path to immortality.
