WE ARE ONE OF THIS GENERATION

Introduction to the Kingdom of Chan

The Kingdom of Chan, a land of grandeur and turmoil, is ruled by Emperor Ren Chan, a wise yet calculating monarch. The kingdom's wealth and power come from its thriving trade routes and fertile lands. Its people revere the martial arts, and warriors are judged by their mastery of skill levels. However, beneath its prosperous facade lies a web of political intrigue, corruption, and treachery that threatens the empire's stability.

At the heart of the kingdom lies the Imperial Court of Justice, an elite institution tasked with upholding law and order. At just 21, Deng Min Chi, a martial arts prodigy and the youngest Court Prefect in history, wields not only his 10th-level martial powers but also the Pigeon Sword, a gift from Emperor Ren Chan, symbolizing loyalty and authority.

As whispers of corruption between the Kingdom of Chan and its neighboring lands grow louder, the unexpected murder of the kingdom's wealthiest man sets a chain of events into motion, drawing unlikely allies together on a perilous journey of truth, justice, and fate.

Night, Zhong Manor, Yunzhou

A chilling silence blankets the Zhong estate. Servants find Zhong Yuxi, the wealthiest merchant in Chan, dead in his study. The air is thick with the scent of sandalwood and something acrid—poison. His body lies slumped over a ledger, his face frozen in terror.

Imperial Court of Justice, Yunzhou

Zhang Shao: (rushing in) "Lord Deng, urgent news from the Zhong Manor. Zhong Yuxi has been found dead. Poisoned, it seems."

Deng Min Chi: (calm but focused) "Zhong Yuxi? The wealthiest man in Chan... His death will stir the court like a storm. Wu Feng, prepare the horses. Zhang Shao, gather evidence and secure the manor. We leave at once."

Zhong Manor, Study

Wu Feng: (examining the scene) "No signs of struggle. The killer must have been trusted."

Deng Min Chi: (studying the body) "His lips are blackened. A rare poison—foreign, likely smuggled. This wasn't a crime of greed. This was a warning."

Zhang Shao: (uncertain) "A warning to whom, my lord?"

Deng Min Chi: "To us all. The power behind this crime reaches far beyond this room. Wu Feng, have the physician examine the body. I'll prepare my report for Emperor Ren Chan."

Imperial Palace, Throne Room

Emperor Ren Chan: (seated, stern) "Deng Min Chi, you've uncovered the threads of a conspiracy that could unravel our kingdom. Yet Zhong's death is but the surface. There is corruption festering between Chan and the Southern Kingdom."

Deng Min Chi: (bowing) "Your Majesty, I am ready to act."

Emperor Ren Chan: "The journey will be treacherous. You may find allies—or enemies—on the road. Trust your instincts, and wield the Pigeon Sword wisely."

Dense Forest

In the jungle, Lin Xuxu, her sister Lin Bai Yu, and their guard Guan Yandi are ambushed by masked attackers.

Lin Xuxu: (drawing the Phoenix Sword) "Stay close, Bai Yu! Yandi, flank them!"

Guan Yandi: (blocking an attack) "They're skilled, Your—" (pauses, correcting himself) "Lady Lin!"

As the attackers press, Deng Min Chi and Wu Feng arrive.

Wu Feng: "Lord Deng, over there!"

Deng Min Chi: (unsheathing the Pigeon Sword) "Stay sharp, Wu Feng. These are no ordinary bandits."

Deng Min Chi leaps into the fray, his precise movements cutting through the chaos. Lin Xuxu notices his skill, her gaze lingering as their eyes meet.

Lin Xuxu: (breathing heavily) "Who are you?"

Deng Min Chi: (calmly) "A Prefect of Justice. And you?"

Lin Xuxu: (guarded) "A traveler."

Temporary Shelter, Forest Clearing

After the ambush, Deng Min Chi learns of Lin Xuxu's group's mission and agrees to travel together. A royal messenger arrives, relaying new orders from Emperor Ren Chan.

Messenger: "His Majesty commands you to continue your journey with these companions. Together, you will uncover the corruption threatening our kingdom."

Wu Feng: (to Deng Min Chi, whispering) "Lord Deng, they're hiding something. Especially her."

Deng Min Chi: (watching Lin Xuxu) "Perhaps. But sometimes, secrets reveal themselves in time."

As they set out, Deng Min Chi finds himself drawn to Lin Xuxu, her presence a mystery he can't ignore.

Deng Min Chi: (to Lin Xuxu) "You wield that sword well. Not many travelers carry a blade like that."

Lin Xuxu: (smirking) "Not many travelers are saved by Court Prefects."

The journey begins, their fates intertwined by forces beyond their understanding.

To be continued