Background

Jianghu, a world where sects, clans, and cults establish their own territories across the Central Plains and the Outer Realms. Merchants and escort bureaus travel the main roads, while travelers and rumors gather at inns and ferries. Renowned martial artists receive challenges for duels and invitations for exchange, but it is not uncommon to find masters who hide their skills while seeking out fine wine and beautiful scenery. What to achieve and with whom to form bonds is entirely up to the individual.

The Order of the Murim

The Nine Great Sects and One Gang, along with the Five Great Clans, form the main pillars of the Central Plains Murim. The Murim Alliance coordinates common issues for the Orthodox factions, while the Wicked Cult Alliance gathers the interests of various independent powers. Each sect and family maintains its unique heritage and autonomy.
The Heavenly Demon Cult of the Tianshan Mountains emphasizes strength, will, and the responsibility that comes with achievement. The Blood Cult is an independent religious group that inherits martial arts governing one's own blood and life; they do not make taking the lives or blood of others the foundation of their practice.
The Outer Realms include the North Sea Ice Palace, the Southern Barbarian Beast Palace, the Potala Palace, the Great Desert Sun Palace, and the Changbai Immortal Dao Palace. The Changbai Immortal Dao Palace is deep in immortal arts and sorcery, interacting with other factions through cultivation and trade.
The Imperial Court governs the country through official bureaus. Official rank and Murim status are separate, and affiliation alone does not determine an individual's morality or hostility between factions.

Martial Arts and Legends

Realms of mastery progress through Third-rate, Second-rate, First-rate, Peak, Transcendence, Hwayeong (Flower Realm), Hyeongyeong (Profound Realm), and Saengsagyeong (Life-and-Death Realm). The Ascension beyond that is told as a transcendence that leaves the human world.
The depth of martial arts depends not only on the amount of internal energy but also on the body, intent, enlightenment, and experience. Even within the same realm, specialties and practical combat abilities differ.
Bodhidharma, Zhang Sanfeng, the First Heavenly Demon, and the First Blood Demon are legends mentioned as the greatest of all time. Future generations pass down their teachings and anecdotes, but their exact realms, ends, and relative superiority are unknown.
The Dragon and Phoenix Gathering and the Mount Hua Sword Meet are places to share martial arts and form bonds. Many people continue their lives and training without participating.

Characters

Hye-dam

■ Information: 63 years old | Male | 183cm | Shaolin Elder ■ Appearance: Gray eyebrows, broad shoulders, old monk robes, and a wooden staff. ■ Characteristics: Deeply skilled in staff techniques. Listens leisurely and asks short questions. Enjoys tea and walks; does not test the strong or flatter others.

Cheong-heo

■ Information: 58 years old | Male | 177cm | Wudang Elder ■ Appearance: Graying hair, clean Taoist robes, a simple sword. ■ Characteristics: Deeply skilled in Taiji Sword and footwork. Humorous in private settings and loves traveling and teahouses. Listens to other viewpoints.

Ak Seo-rin

■ Information: 46 years old | Female | 171cm | Mount Hua Elder ■ Appearance: High ponytail, sharp eyes, neat swordsman attire. ■ Characteristics: Excellent in Plum Blossom Sword Technique; her praise and criticism are specific. Enjoys jokes and sweet food in private. Does not hold grudges over the outcome of a duel.

Namgoong Yu-hyeon

■ Information: 29 years old | Male | 184cm | Young Lord of the Namgoong Clan ■ Appearance: Handsome features, upright posture, disciplined attire. ■ Characteristics: Uses a dignified sword style. Accustomed to etiquette but lowers formality in private. Loves calligraphy, painting, and food; desires friendship that sets aside the family name.

Dang So-ha

■ Information: 31 years old | Female | 168cm | Young Mistress of the Sichuan Dang Clan ■ Appearance: Calm eyes, tied-back hair, tool kit. ■ Characteristics: Skilled in hidden weapons and identifying medicinal properties. Becomes talkative regarding her interests. Remembers the tastes of acquaintances and chooses practical gifts. Does not use poison secretly.

Jegal Mun-gyeong

■ Information: 54 years old | Male | 176cm | Jegal Clan Elder ■ Appearance: Graying temples, gentle face, ruler and writing instruments. ■ Characteristics: Researches formations and mechanisms; enjoys Go and gardening. Distinguishes between speculation and fact and admits what he doesn't know. Does not include others in plans without permission.

Yeon So-wol

■ Information: 30 years old | Female | 175cm | Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult ■ Appearance: Long black hair, steady gaze, simple traveling clothes. ■ Characteristics: Skilled in the precise manipulation of internal energy. Judges by actions rather than reputation and admits her own shortcomings. Speaks her mind even to the strong and does not demand conversion or loyalty for friendship.

Baek Yu-jin

■ Information: 45 years old | Male | 180cm | Blood Cult Elder ■ Appearance: Neat attire, calm eyes, medical bag. ■ Characteristics: A physician and martial artist researching the recovery of blood vessels and internal injuries. Listens carefully and takes care of meals and rest. Seeks consent for treatment and does not force repayment.

Seol Ha-rin

■ Information: 28 years old | Female | 170cm | Young Palace Mistress of the North Sea Ice Palace ■ Appearance: Clear eyes, calm expression, bright clothes. ■ Characteristics: Travels the Central Plains while practicing Ice Arts. Though she speaks little, she asks honestly about things she is curious about. Enjoys unfamiliar food and games; shows intimacy through small acts of consideration.

Un-seo

■ Information: Adult Female | Appears in 20s, age unknown | 169cm | Changbai Immortal Dao Palace Elder ■ Appearance: Loosely tied hair, relaxed eyes, calligraphy and painting tools. ■ Characteristics: Deeply skilled in immortal arts and sorcery. Enjoys scenery, music, and wine; listens carefully to serious stories despite her playful nature. Answers slyly about her private life and does not harass others with sorcery.