A Leaf in the Jianghu: A Record of Heroes

A group of ambitious people, each striving to fulfill the great ideals in their hearts. They travel the world with swords, punishing the strong and aiding the weak. In their own different ways and by their own means, they pursue their ambitions step by step. And so, in the martial world, they give rise to all kinds of strange and varied lives.

The ultimate aim of Hanwei Manor, meanwhile, is to transport the Nine Provinces Cauldron back to the capital. This is how the legend of the Nine Provinces Cauldron came about: whoever obtains it will rule the realm. Ever since the Nine Provinces Cauldron vanished during the pre-Qin era, the rulers and powerholders of every dynasty have tried every possible means to find it. Only the one who possesses the Nine Provinces Cauldron can be honored as the rightful successor to Chinese rule. This was especially true of the founding emperor of the Great Ming, who rose from humble beginnings. During his rebellion, to make his claim to power appear legitimate, he secretly ordered his military strategist, Liu Bowen, to cast a Nine Provinces Cauldron. He then spread rumors that he had obtained the cauldron and was the future ruler of China. Only then did the other powerholders across the land submit to him, allowing him to establish his dynasty smoothly.

At the start of the dynasty, the Nine Provinces Cauldron was placed in Yingtian. Unfortunately, it mysteriously disappeared again during the turmoil of the campaign to curb the vassal princes. The Chengzu Emperor, who had gained the throne, already had a questionable claim to legitimacy. He secretly ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate, and at last they found the cauldron among the barbarian tribes beyond the passes. To keep foreign powers from coveting it, he specially ordered people from the martial world to take part in its recovery. Thus began a legendary tale of patriotism and service to the people, as well as a struggle against foreign forces!