The Inkstone’s Journey to Ask Heaven

Heaven and earth weave a net; all living things are trapped by fate. Shen Yan's soul crossed over from another world into this chaotic age of martial arts. Born into the lowest ranks as a servant of the Qingyang Sect, with sluggish meridians, no master, and no resources, his path ahead was a quagmire. His only companion was a fragmentary ancient scroll from the waning autumn, concealing secrets of the ancient path to enlightenment. Caught in sect rivalries and bullied by his fellow disciples, he refused to act on hotheaded bravado. He guarded his heart and bided his time, hardening his foundations in the mire; The jianghu was vast, good and evil hard to tell apart. He traveled alone through its roiling waves, witnessing the mettle of young prodigies and seeing through the schemes in people's hearts; When the Three Talents Martial Rankings brought the nine provinces together, this youth from humble beginnings rose against the odds, making a name for himself as he competed with his peers. The web of fate tightened and karma weighed upon him. The Nethertrace Sect sought to use the destinies of all living things as bait, taking control of the world's rise and fall; meanwhile, the imperial court's Celestial Balance Bureau watched the jianghu like a stalking tiger, seeking to rule the world through martial power. A close friend sacrificed himself for the Way. An old acquaintance concealed his strength and laid a trap. The swordlight of Sunset Glow silently kept him company, while the strokes of the court historians recorded his mettle. Fame is a shackle, and every heart must make its choices. As everyone in the world rushed toward their fated destinies, Shen Yan resolved to break free of the web of karma, bowing to no greater tide and submitting to no fate. No matter how vast the web, it has nothing to do with me; Heaven's mandate belongs to Heaven. The martial path belongs to me. (A jianghu tale as I imagine it)