The Heavenly Father and Earthly Mother created the immortal god Ridi. After enduring the vicissitudes of an age beyond counting, he now rules the Eastern Sea's underwater palace. In the long years he has forgotten, a man who claimed descent from the Shu family said that Ridi had once been closely connected to his family. Following his ancestors' wishes, the man brought him a book called The Crown and Hairpin, saying it might help him discover the meaning of his long, barren life.
The regent of the Earth Clan unified the lands, but was misled by corrupt, treacherous ministers. Their wickedness spread across the Earthly Mother's domain, bringing ruin to the nation and suffering to its people. As a youth, Zhuo Jinpeng assisted the regent, but was ultimately framed by the corrupt ministers. His family was destroyed, and only his three scattered grandchildren remained.
The eldest grandson, Zhuo Ang, carried his poisoned second brother to find his former master, Chao Li, who had taught him his art among the tribes of the Western Lands. Seeing that Zhuo Xiao was deeply poisoned, Chao Li swallowed his pride and sent him to Granny Xiao Zan of the Chu Yun Sacred Clan for treatment. Chao Li and Xiao Zan had once been husband and wife, but because of past events, they lived on the same mountain without ever meeting. As a result, Zhuo Xiao did not see his older brother again before his senior sister Mo Ling's wedding.
The youngest grandson, Zhuo Mu, was eventually saved by Yan You, the flame left behind by the ancient Fire God. Yan You took him to Washui Town, on the border between the Earthly Lands and Youming, where Su Ye protected him until he grew up.
