Yan Wushi, leader of the demonic Huanyue sect, is a master cultivator, a brilliant strategist, and an incurable cynic. In his philosophy, every human heart is ruled by cruelty and selfishness. Anyone who believes otherwise is either a liar or a fool. Enter the humble Shen Qiao, leader of the Daoist sect at Xuandu Mountain. He is both gracious and charitable, and exactly the type of do-gooder that Yan Wushi despises. When Shen Qiao suffers a shocking loss in a duel and is left for dead, Yan Wushi happens upon him and concocts a plan to teach him about the wretchedness of humanity. He’ll take Shen Qiao under his wing, test the limits of his faith, and lure him into demonic cultivation. After all, it is easy to remain righteous atop a mountain peak that touches the heavens. But a thousand autumns toiling on the blood-soaked earth will break any man. The Seven Seas English-language editions of these novels will feature the uncensored text in deluxe paperbacks with exclusive new covers and interior illustrations. The ebooks will also be available on digital platforms.
As emperors, generals, and kings vie for dominance, martial sects mount bloody clashes to determine who will influence the nations’ leaders. Fallen and humbled, former sect leader Shen Qiao searches for direction in a tumultuous world. He finds an unlikely companion in the nefarious Yan Wushi. The roguish and powerful demonic practitioner has helped Shen Qiao begin to rebuild his lost martial abilities. As the two travel and work together, the gentle Daoist master dares to imagine that the famed Demon Lord is warming to him. But all is not as it seems, and old treacheries draw fresh blood. As Shen Qiao confronts dangerous new enemies, the struggle for control of the Central Plains ignites!
Despite the sting of Yan Wushi’s betrayal fresh on his heart, Shen Qiao rushes to save him from certain death only to arrive a moment too late—or so it seems. As rumor of Yan Wushi’s demise spreads far and wide, the winds of change stir across the land. Meanwhile, Shen Qiao seeks to heal Yan Wushi’s grave injuries, and realizes that his understanding of the Demon Lord runs only skin-deep. Yet fate does not allow the pair to remain idle for long. When an old friend reveals his true nature, Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi have no choice but to aid him on a perilous mission. Only this time, humans aren’t the only monsters to fear.
Having saved Yuwen Song from war-torn Chang’an, Shen Qiao helps him start a new life training at Bixia Sect. Yet everyone’s got their demons, and it’s not long before Shen Qiao’s own mischievous Demon Lord, Yan Wushi, appears. Meanwhile, Bixia Sect buzzes with news of a chance to gain honor, prestige, and a swelling in ranks at the upcoming Sword Trial Conference. Yet not all who gather hold noble desires. Under the cover of night, Shen Qiao is warned of rising tensions that threaten to turn the Conference into a bloodbath! Will Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao make it out unscathed? A fateful battle awaits!
In the kingdoms of the Central Plains, power and prestige are fleeting; today’s friend may become tomorrow’s most bitter foe. Following a daring rescue amid a coup that marks the end of a dynasty, the virtuous Daoist Shen Qiao gets word of another power struggle that calls him home to Xuandu Mountain. But before he even reaches his destination, a whisper upon the wind cuts into Shen Qiao’s heart: Yan Wushi has challenged Hulugu to a battle to the death. The ever-shrewd Shen Qiao will need to make the most of his martial training to survive the calamity that surrounds him. There’s just one question that lingers in Shen Qiao’s heart: when the dust settles, will that which he holds dearest still remain? FINAL VOLUME
In the kingdoms of the Central Plains, power and prestige are fleeting; today’s friend may become tomorrow’s most bitter foe. Following a daring rescue amid a coup that marks the end of a dynasty, the virtuous Daoist Shen Qiao gets word of another power struggle that calls him home to Xuandu Mountain. But before he even reaches his destination, a whisper upon the wind cuts into Shen Qiao’s heart: Yan Wushi has challenged Hulugu to a battle to the death. The ever-shrewd Shen Qiao will need to make the most of his martial training to survive the calamity that surrounds him. There’s just one question that lingers in Shen Qiao’s heart: when the dust settles, will that which he holds dearest still remain? FINAL VOLUME