17

The ancient city of Luoyang lay nestled in the heart of the Middle Kingdom, its towering walls crowned with jade and gold, glistening like a jewel in the sun. At its center, the Imperial Palace stood as a testament to the might and splendor of the Celestial Empire. Within these hallowed walls, the Emperor, known as the Son of Heaven, ruled with an iron fist, his decrees echoing throughout the land.

But Luoyang was not just a city of emperors and officials; it was also a city of secrets. Hidden among its labyrinthine streets and shadowy alleyways were ancient guilds and clandestine societies, their members possessing knowledge and abilities that defied the laws of the natural world. Among these, the most enigmatic was the Brotherhood of the Crimson Phoenix, an order of mystical warriors dedicated to preserving the balance between the mortal realm and the world of spirits.