Prologue

In ancient China, 18 clans of men served the Emperor faithfully. They played various roles within the inner court, beyond the palace walls, or as ordinary citizens. Although their unity was imperfect, their allegiance remained unwavering – dedicated to the Emperor and his people. However, despite their unwavering devotion and diligence over the years, they couldn't suppress the timeless nature of the human heart. The fear of betrayal loomed large as the struggle for the throne inevitably led to bloodshed. Whoever occupied the throne was plagued by suspicion.

Nevertheless, every era must reach its conclusion, paving the way for a new epoch to arise from the ashes as the cycle of life is perpetually evolving.

Among the 18 clans, seven stood out as the most formidable. These clans bore the responsibility of all the military duties on behalf of the Emperor, serving as his blade, armor, and shield. They acted as his scouts on the battlefield, securing his strategic advantage.

The Yang Clan excelled in sword fighting, making them the foremost authorities in this martial art. Consequently, they undertook the training of soldiers in swordsmanship. Notably, their specialization in training left-handed users made them particularly lethal. Additionally, their proficiency with double-handed swords set their soldiers apart.

The Vang Clan was renowned for their mastery of spear techniques, boasting the sharpest and most lethal skills, spanning from long to short spears. Their expertise was so formidable that even other soldiers struggled to overcome their spear users in combat.

The Xiong Clan reigned supreme as the finest cavalry soldiers, excelling across all terrain. Their prowess knew no limits, consistently emerging victorious in battles. Their unparalleled flexibility with various weapons earned them top-class ranks.

The Moua Clan stood out as exceptional archers with impeccable 20-20 vision. The elite among them possessed the remarkable ability to perceive beyond ordinary distances, solidifying their position as the leading members of the archery group.

The Thao Clan distinguished themselves as unparalleled foot soldiers, excelling in hand-to-hand combat and martial arts. They maintained an impeccable record, never tasting defeat in close battle. Those who dared to challenge them found themselves consistently seeking remedies from traditional healers and apothecaries, a testament to their formidable skills.

The Her Clan garnered widespread recognition for their extraordinary expertise as revered healers. Their reputation extended to curing insurmountable ailments and neutralizing the effects of the most venomous poisons. Their unmatched knowledge and skills made them a beacon of hope for those afflicted with the gravest diseases and life-threatening conditions.

The Chang Clan, deeply rooted in the waterside, earned a well-deserved reputation as a seasoned naval warrior. Their lives were intertwined with the ebb and flow of the waterways, allowing them to cultivate an unparalleled familiarity with the intricate network of rivers and lakes. This profound understanding was akin to knowing the contours of their backyard, granting them a strategic advantage on the aquatic battlefield.

The remaining clans encompassed various roles, including merchants, nobles, scholars, and officials. It's crucial to note that not all members of the seven influential lines were involved in the military sphere. Exclusive participation was granted solely to those who successfully navigated the exacting military examinations within their families.

Significantly, these seven clans were strategically placed in separate sectors within the inner capital, solidifying their central role in wielding power. Conversely, the remaining 11 clans were positioned in the outer reaches of the capital or dispersed throughout the countryside, reflecting a more widespread and diverse settlement pattern.