The Chang'an Swordsman, Xiao Shusheng

Chang'an, a place of shifting fortunes, is where the scholar Xiao makes his entrance. Though he appears to be a refined scholar, he possesses peerless swordsmanship. His blade strikes like a dragon, swift as lightning, earning him the name "Chang'an Swordsman" throughout the martial world.

One day, Xiao encounters Deng Bi at a brothel. Deng Bi is tremendously strong: he can kill a raging bull with one punch and lift a stone drum weighing over a thousand jin with one hand. He is also deeply learned, able to recite the classics of history and literature backward. Deng Bi invites Xiao for a drink. Xiao initially refuses, but Deng Bi's threat leaves him with no choice but to accept. During their meal, Deng Bi displays his extraordinary knowledge, leaving Xiao amazed and changing his disdain into admiration.

At the time, the realm seems peaceful on the surface, but undercurrents are stirring. The Dongyi islands launch frequent raids, and the southwest is also harboring rebellious ambitions. Prince De serves in the Western Censorate. Deng Bi seeks an audience to offer his counsel, but a soldier blocks his way, and he causes quite a scene. Prince De puts Deng Bi to the test. Armed with a pair of male and female swords and astride a fine steed, Deng Bi charges back and forth through the long-spear formation of fifty elite guards as if no one were there, astounding everyone.

Impressed by Deng Bi's courage and bold spirit, Xiao decides to follow him and roam the martial world together. The two travel far and wide, righting wrongs and stirring up waves wherever they go. They leave behind many legendary exploits and become the closest of friends, sharing life and death as they face the bloody conflicts of the martial world and the complicated machinations of the court.