Cultivation Begins with Archery

As the dynasty nears its end, eunuchs seize power, the land falls into ruin, the people suffer, and rebellions erupt across the realm.

Li Yu rises from humble beginnings. With a bow, a silver spear, and a white horse, he brings the realm to heel.

Step by step, he ascends to the highest throne.

“Since the previous dynasty lost the Mandate through its failure to govern, the realm has fallen apart. The people weep blood, and the land lies desolate.”

“Now the treacherous have been swept away and the realm has begun to settle, yet the scars are everywhere, and the people hunger.”

“We, having received the Mandate of Heaven, hereby establish a nation named Ning.”

Year Three of Wude, Haojing.

As the palace guards watch in astonishment, a young man steps into the great hall atop a green lotus, his gaze fixed on the throne.

“He bears the Mandate of Heaven and sits upon the imperial throne, yet has he truly cultivated a rank of his own?”