From the eternal chaos, the forces of yin and yang emerged. Their union gave birth to the fundamental elements: Earth, Metal, Water, Air, and Fire. These elements continuously transformed from one form to another, setting the foundation for the creation of life itself.
From these elements, five sentient primordial spirits were born: the Black Tortoise, Golden Qilin, Azure Dragon, White Tiger, and Vermilion Bird. These powerful entities embodied the raw forces of creation and destruction. Over the ages, their bloodlines were bestowed upon chosen creatures and humans, granting them supernatural abilities and the potential to cultivate in pursuit of immortality.
By the year 3400 of the Age of the Qilin, as recorded in the Grand Xia calendar, five great kingdoms dominated the continent, each ruled by one of the clans descended from the primordial spirits.
Controlling the cold northern region with its myriad lakes and rivers, this clan commanded a powerful navy and took pride in their dominion over the waters.
Inhabiting the lush rainforests, this wild and barbaric clan was rarely united but always deadly when threatened.
The oldest and most prosperous land lay in the central region, governed by the brave and stoic Black Tortoise clan, whose warriors were famed throughout the continent.
Occupying a land marked by enormous mountain ranges, their jagged peaks standing defiantly against the sky. The Qilin clan was renowned for their might and ambition.
Ruling over the harsh desert, the Vermilion Bird clan was known for their hot tempers and readiness to engage in conflict at a moment’s notice.
For five thousand years during the Age of the Tortoise, a delicate balance existed among the five kingdoms. However, by the year 3400, now in the Age of the Qilin, this balance was violently shattered. The ambitious Qilin clan launched a massive invasion into the central region with their formidable Iron Blood Battalion, led by General Tie Shan. The peaceful Tortoise clan, unprepared for such aggression, rapidly lost territory.
Unbeknownst to the defenders, the Dragon clan had struck a secret deal with Emperor Jin Yong of the Qilin clan, who promised them the resource-rich Xingwang River upon his conquest of the central region. The resulting betrayal proved catastrophic: the Qilin army decimated the combined Tortoise and Vermilion Bird forces, enslaved the Tortoise clan’s people, and forced their warriors into the western mines. The Qilin then occupied the central lands for themselves.
As the calendar marks the year 3418, the Grand Xia continent stands on the precipice of a momentous event—the long-awaited appearance of the entrance to the secret realm. Occurring only once every 400 years, this extraordinary phenomenon is destined to profoundly influence the fate of all five kingdoms.
Desperate, the Tortoise clan called for aid. The White Tiger clan, embroiled in their own internal disputes, refused to intervene. However, the Dragon and Vermilion Bird clans responded. The dragons prepared a surprise naval assault on the Qilin army’s rear, while the Vermilion Bird and Tortoise clans formed a defensive alliance on the plains near the capital.
The Qilin did not stop there. They launched a punitive expedition against the Vermilion Bird clan, nearly wiping out their royal family and leaving the southern territories in ruin. Thus, the Age of the Qilin was defined by conquest, betrayal, and devastation that forever altered the fate of the Grand Xia continent.
Unbeknownst to the defenders, the Dragon clan had struck a secret deal with Emperor Jin Yong of the Qilin clan, who promised them the resource-rich Xingwang River upon his conquest of the central region. The resulting betrayal proved catastrophic: the Qilin army decimated the combined Tortoise and Vermilion Bird forces, enslaved the Tortoise clan’s people, and forced their warriors into the western mines. The Qilin then occupied the central lands for themselves.
The Qilin did not stop there. They launched a punitive expedition against the Vermilion Bird clan, nearly wiping out their royal family and leaving the southern territories in ruin. Thus, the Age of the Qilin was defined by conquest, betrayal, and devastation that forever altered the fate of the Grand Xia continent.
To open the legendary astral gate, a challenging requirement must be fulfilled: the five ancient relics, each tied to the power of the mythical beasts, must be gathered and activated simultaneously. Only those who possess the bloodline of the primordial spirits—Black Tortoise, Golden Qilin, Azure Dragon, White Tiger, or Vermilion Bird—can hope to succeed in this endeavor.
