Chapter 1: Xie

The Xie family of Great Chu is located in Northern Jiangsu, backed by the land of Suyue and facing the northern territories. They inherit the literary elegance of Suyue and the bold martial spirit of the north.

The ancestor of the Xie family, Xie Xuan, styled Chang’an, was known as a remarkable figure.

In the seventh year of Jian’an, Xie Xuan was born.

From a young age, Xie Xuan was exceptionally gifted, with a photographic memory and talents in both literature and martial arts that surpassed his peers. His father, a fourth-ranked general stationed in the northern territories, lived happily with his family of three in Northern Jiangsu City.

Recognizing Xuan’s extraordinary talents, they taught him diligently. Although they were a family of martial generals, they ensured he studied under renowned teachers, acquiring genuine knowledge and skills.

By the age of seven or eight, Xuan had already gained fame in Northern Jiangsu. At ten, he left home to study in various sacred places across the land. By fifteen, his knowledge rivaled that of the great scholars of the time, often bringing forth new ideas. He also developed his own school of martial arts, creating the Xie Clan Sword Technique.

At seventeen, Xuan returned home from his studies.

It was early summer, nearing noon, and the sun was blazing. A gate guard, catching the faint aroma of food, discreetly touched his stomach, wondering what his wife had prepared for lunch at home. A bowl of mung bean soup would be refreshing. Just as he was lost in thought, the sound of horse hooves approached. A chestnut horse carrying a young man came into view from afar.

As the horse drew closer, the rider skillfully reined it in, slowing it down as they passed by the guard.

The young man bore a long sword, his black hair flowing in the wind, and his white clothes gleaming like moonlight at night. A flute hung at his waist, adding to his artistic demeanor. Beneath his thick eyebrows were starry eyes, warm yet full of spirit, like the starlight of a summer night. His nose was high, and his lips curved in a smile, resembling a crescent moon. He was extraordinarily handsome, with a posture as upright as a pine tree, exuding youthful vigor.

“I must tell my wife when I get home that I saw an immortal today,” the guard thought.

Riding leisurely through the familiar streets, the young man couldn’t help but smile, charming countless onlookers. Those who saw him today could hardly imagine what the future held.

After returning home, he studied diligently for three years, reaching adulthood. The provincial governor wanted to recruit him and marry his only daughter, who had long admired Xuan, to him. However, Xuan, carefree by nature, had no interest in this. He wished to marry a woman he truly loved and spend his life with her. Thus, he declined and embarked on a new journey of study.

In the twenty-ninth year of Jian’an, the Jian’an Emperor fell seriously ill. Powerful families influenced the court, and princes fought for power, causing Great Chu to decline. Those in power sought to recruit famous scholars for their own use. By this time, Xuan’s fame had spread far and wide, attracting many eyes. Yet, he traveled the world with his friends, his whereabouts uncertain.

In the thirtieth year of Jian’an, the neighboring states of Shang and Jin allied to invade our northern border, the western side.

Xuan and his friends discussed the situation, realizing it was extremely unfavorable for Great Chu unless someone could turn the tide. The next day, his friend left a letter and departed: “I know your heart seeks freedom, but the world is unstable, and the country is on the brink of destruction. When the nation falls, there will be no safe place for families. I am strong and clear-headed, unwilling to seek refuge. Today, I bid farewell to my brother and venture into the world to make a stand.”

The border was engulfed in war, and the situation grew increasingly dire, making it difficult for family letters to reach him. Xuan finally decided to emerge from seclusion, riding through the night to Yingdu, the power center of Great Chu.

The history books state: “At that time, Emperor Ding’an, the fifth son of Emperor Jian’an, was dignified and measured in his actions. He recognized Xie Xiang’s talents at a glance. The two formed a bond of mutual trust, achieving several centuries of glory for Great Chu, a celebrated tale of the kingdom.”