Summary
Highlights
Lu Tianming, a consumptive scholar, practices a unique 'Way of the Book' system that allows him to gain experience in qi training by writing. He possesses a ruler-sword named Taiping, a legacy from his father, which can warm and nourish him, curing his lung disease. Despite his perceived weakness, he harbors a hidden strength.
Lu's close friend, Liu Dabao, is accused of murder and later critically injured while trying to retrieve a salt account book. Lu is falsely implicated and faces the wrath of Inspector Wu. He dedicates himself to saving Dabao and uncovering the truth behind the larger conspiracy involving private salt and border troop pay.
After Dabao is injured, no one dares to treat him due to the Inspector's threats. Sister Fung, a former gangster, helps Lu. Lu eventually confronts Zhou Shihao, who was responsible for Dabao's injury, revealing his hidden martial arts skills and avenging his friend. He also learns of the broader conspiracy from officials from the Ministry of War.
Lu gets entangled in a diplomatic crisis involving Prince Oumi, who is in Chu to choose a bride. He learns that Ji Qianyu, the daughter of the former King of Liang, is being forced into marriage for political reasons. Lu, recognizing her as the girl who saved him years ago, resolves to protect her, defying an imperial order.
Lu and Ji Qianyu escape, but she is poisoned. They seek help from Liu Huo, a traitor from the formidable Snow Blower organization, who reveals the extent of their black market operations, including human trafficking and political manipulation. They discover that the "Five Elements Gold Foil" from King Wuli’s tomb is needed to cure Ji Qianyu's poison and Lu's consumption.
Inside King Wuli's mausoleum, Ji Qianyu discovers a hidden message from her mother, revealing her true identity and the betrayal that led to her family's massacre. Lu vows to help her avenge her family and restore Liangzhou. They successfully retrieve the Golden Essence.
With the Golden Essence, Lu's lung disease is cured, and his cultivation advances. He confronts the mastermind behind the conspiracies, Ji Boqing, and his forces, using his Taiping Sword to fight for justice and peace. The northern border faces invasion from the Umi Iron Horsemen, testing Lu and his allies' resolve to defend their country.