Pierre Dimaculangan is a digital artist, designer, and author of Trials of the Middle Kingdom series. He was born in Manila and grew up in Queens, New York. He’s a lover of world history and Chinese culture and civilization. He loves to read, conquer story-driven video games, play drums, and practice Muay Thai and Parkour. He’s currently pursuing a master’s in history at Harvard University Extension School. 

Follow the story of a legendary wandering swordsman and a political cabal of vigilantes known as the Martial Scholars as they investigate the maritime arrival of a mysterious nonhuman military force. A thorough investigation reveals the truth about their agenda as well as a conspiracy against the emperor and the entire Ming Empire. Through careful planning and utilization of their deep network, they succeed in warning the emperor who then prepares the nation for the possibility of war. First however, he must quell the Underworld where rebel groups and secret societies have risen against him, and conspire with the nonhuman foreigners to create a new world order. Together with a motley crew of misfits, the legendary swordsman ventures into the Underworld to discover the deeper plans of the enemy. His new friend, an enigmatic sage, insists that the real battle is, in fact, a spiritual one, and that victory lies only through following the will of Heaven.

Trials of the Middle Kingdom

"A fine evening for a little stroll somewhere in the city, Scholar Qiu?" said Lieutenant Shun.


 Tian Qiu, who had not expected to see a squad of Jinyiwei walking about in the city, was caught a bit off guard with the greeting. "Yes, of course. A bit chilly, but it is autumn of course. A cold winter is on the horizon," he answered.


"Indeed," replied Shun with a raised eyebrow. "I wonder though, what a Martial Scholar, with a prestigious position in the emperor's palace, is doing in the Outer City district past curfew and in such a poor neighborhood?"


Tian Qiu merely chuckled and smiled as he nodded his head. "That is a good question, Lieutenant. I often go in deep strolls in the cities to clear and silence my mind to create more room for thought. Nothing more, really. It's the only escape I have from the burden of responsibility."


Chapter 26: War Game