The world is divided into nine provinces. Beyond the northern frontier lies a wasteland known as the Ashen Sea. Three hundred years ago, to suppress a calamity that threatened Heaven and Earth, the old dynasty built nine Heavenly Gates, but in doing so severed the mortal world from the path to immortality.
Now the nine gates are gradually crumbling:
- Northern barbarians are moving south, and the frontier is plagued by war.
- The great Jianghu sects are fighting over the keys left behind by the Heavenly Gates.
- Someone within the imperial court is trying to reopen the gates.
- If the Heavenly Gates open completely, the mortal world will become a chessboard for immortals and gods to fight over.
The story follows an orphan raised by the frontier army. He only wants to uncover the truth behind his father's murder, but he gradually becomes caught up in the affairs of the world.
