For a century, the Great Jing dynasty has weathered every storm in peace, all thanks to the Su family's Heaven-Shattering Halberd, which has held together the vast realm.
Su Heng, the youngest general of a different surname ever hailed as a God of War, joined the army at seven, donned armor at fifteen, quelled turmoil across the Three Regions at twenty, and crushed the sixteen tribes of the northern deserts.
Every bone in his body was broken for his country, every scar a gift from his sovereign. He guarded the frontier for ten years and never once set foot in the capital, holding fast to the bond between ruler and subject, protecting the Great Jing and its people's peace.
Everyone said the Su family's God of War had rendered service unmatched through the ages.
But no one knew that beneath his towering achievements lay suspicion and schemes at every turn.
In the final battle in the northern deserts, he took three arrows, fought through grievous wounds, and defeated the enemy, winning the surrender of all under heaven and peace across the realm.
On the day he returned in triumph, there were no rewards and no honors.
In the Golden Throne Hall, the emperor's face was cold as an indictment came crashing down.
Treasonous collusion, secret possession of military power, intent to rebel.
Ten grave charges, each word cutting to the heart, each one fatal.
He had spent half his life on the battlefield, his armor stained with blood, protecting the very ruler who would ultimately send him plunging into the abyss with his own hands.
Not one court official spoke in his defense.
Every one of his former subordinates was executed.
The illustrious God of War laid down his armor and became a condemned prisoner.
Later, as snow buried the sky, every bone and tendon in his body was shattered. His scarred shoulder armor was stripped away, along with every trace of his honors.
The emperor stood atop a dais and asked coolly, “Su Heng, do you know your crime?”
The young God of War, drenched in blood, gazed at the cold dragon throne and finally smiled, his eyes filled with icy ashes.
“This subject is guilty of nothing. My only mistake was protecting the wrong ruler and serving the wrong country.”
His loyal bones had been fed to treacherous courtiers, his devotion given to a heartless emperor.
Achievements meant to last a thousand years became an empty dream. His cold halberd sank into the earth, and the God of War never came home.
