In the Imperial Capital of the Jia Ma Empire, on the Northwest Continent...
A vast, magnificent building stood at the very heart of the city.
Flags flew above it, each bearing an emblem shaped like a flame.
Judging by the emblems and the enormous plaque over the entrance, this was the headquarters of the Flame Alliance, the most powerful faction on the Northwest Continent.
In an office within the headquarters, a beautiful woman with an air of distinction sat at her desk, working through stacks of documents.
She was Cai Lin, the woman now in charge of the Flame Alliance.
As Cai Lin worked, her office door slowly opened, and a woman in a plain white dress entered with graceful steps.
Cai Lin looked up. The chill on her beautiful face faded into warmth. "Xian'er, what brings you here?"
Xiao Yi Xian gave her a playful smile and handed her a list. "This is the Alchemist Guild's Medicinal Herb List for the past few months. Please take a look."
Over the years, Xiao Yan's women had grown close. Though they were not sisters by blood, their bond was every bit as strong.
"All right, I've got it." Cai Lin took the list, glanced over it, and nodded.
Xiao Yi Xian was about to leave when she noticed the piles of documents on Cai Lin's desk and the weariness in her face. Her heart ached.
For three years, Cai Lin had given so much to keep the entire Flame Alliance running.
And in those three years, the Flame Alliance had changed beyond recognition.
With the Three Dou Zun backing it, the alliance's strength had multiplied several times over, and its name had become known throughout the Northwest.
People naturally sought shelter beneath a mighty tree. Once word spread that such powerful