The Xian Empire stood proud beneath a sky of drifting golden clouds. Ancient-style buildings stretched across the horizon—elegant curved roofs, red pillars, and jade decorations glowing under the morning sun. Every street bustled with life. Men and women walked with swords at their sides, and market stalls overflowed with manuals on sword techniques, footwork, Qi flow, and strike forms.
This was the empire blessed by Xian Guo, the Star‑Slaying Sword God. And though their founder acted like a carefree fool in the heavens, his blessing made every citizen a natural-born swordsman.
Inside the imperial palace, the royal court was filled with noise.
"The Xian Empire is unmatched!" shouted one minister.
"Our soldiers are the strongest!" shouted another.
"We will crush those ugly demons without effort!"
Their confident voices echoed through the massive hall, but the king—sitting tall on his jade throne—hid a troubled expression.
Yes, my soldiers are strong. But numbers? Techniques? We don't have enough. If war truly comes, we will be overwhelmed... Why can't these ministers see the obvious?
Before he could speak, a guard rushed in.
"Your Majesty! A soldier requests audience!"
"Let him enter."
A moment later, a young armored soldier bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty, the royal shaman seeks permission to deliver an urgent message."
"Send him in."
The court doors opened again, and the old shaman walked forward, leaning on his wooden staff. His robes fluttered, and a faint spiritual aura surrounded him.
He bowed.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. I bring news from the Oracle… a divine message."
The king straightened.
"A message from the heavens?"
"Yes. A divine messenger is descending to assist the empire."
Before the court could react, the air trembled.
A sharp crack tore through the throne hall as space itself shattered like broken glass. Ministers gasped, guards grabbed their swords, and the king rose to his feet.
From the fractured space stepped a woman.
She was beautiful in an otherworldly way—white hair cascading down her back, pointed ears, and eyes unlike any human's… each eye held two pupils, glowing faintly with divine energy. Her presence filled the entire hall with silent pressure, forcing everyone to bow without being commanded.
She glanced around once.
Then her voice echoed—steady, calm, and powerful:
"I am the envoy sent under the gods' instruction. A war will soon shake this land… and I have come to prepare you."
Silence fell so heavy that no one could breathe.
The king lowered his head.
"A‑are you truly a messenger of the divine?"
She nodded.
"The gods have chosen your empire as a battlefield of destiny. I will assist in guiding your armies, strengthening your warriors, and ensuring the will of the heavens is carried out."
The ministers, who moments ago shouted with foolish pride, now trembled.
The shaman knelt with tears in his eyes.
"It is as the Oracle foretold…"
The envoy raised her hand. A faint ripple of spiritual energy swept through the hall, calming fear and sharpening senses.
"Rise. From this moment on, the Xian Empire stands under my protection. The demons prepare for war—and so must you."
The king swallowed his doubts, bowed deeply, and declared:
"Then we welcome you, Divine Envoy. Please guide us."
The woman nodded once.
"A great war is coming… and the gods are watching."