Chronicles of Burning and Slaughter

Duke of the Founding: Kang'er, do you want to be emperor? Chen Xikang (age six): I do! Emperors are so mighty. Martial Gods, sword immortals, and beauties would all have to fear me! Duke of the Founding: Kang'er, do you want to be emperor? Chen Xikang (age twelve): No. One man against ten thousand, Martial Gods and sword immortals, the Strong Han, Taiwu, and even Prince Huai, with his wolfish ambitions. If I claim the throne, families will be torn apart and the people will suffer. Duke of the Founding: Kang'er, do you want to be emperor? Chen Xikang (age eighteen): I don't know. This realm is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. If I fight for it, war and slaughter will sweep across the land. But if I don't, will this realm make room for the Chen family? Will it make room for the five hundred thousand founding troops of the Western Hammer? Heaven stirs the urge to kill, and dragons and serpents rise. His own son is presented to the world as an adopted son. Chen Xikang, whom his father has asked since childhood more than anything else whether he wants to be emperor, must decide what to do in this chaotic age. Martial contests, literary contests, and beauty contests. Muping City, Qinwu City, and the sleepless city of Chang'an. The flames of war rise in Chang'an, and killing and slaughter begin anew. The realm falls into chaos!