Sword of the Vast Desert

Set against the historical backdrop of the An Lushan Rebellion from the 13th year of Tianbao to the 2nd year of Zhide, this tragic epic follows the fate of three heroes. Xiao Jin, orphaned son of a general, bears the false accusation of treason and wields the Vast Desert Sword technique of the Anxi Army. Li Yu, a chivalrous imperial clansman, seeks to save the world with his medical skills and swordsmanship. Shi Chen, a Shaolin ascetic burdened with supreme inner power, is forced to break his vows and kill. Meeting in the Gobi, they become entangled in court intrigues,藩镇 rebellions, and the fracturing of the martial world. A shadowy mastermind orchestrates events, using Yang Guozhong and An Lushan to ignite chaos and shatter the腐朽 aristocratic imperial power. As righteous sects like Shaolin, Beggars' Sect, and Wanhua Valley feud internally, and evil forces like Ming Cult, Yinshan Ghost Sect, and藩镇 martial factions side with the rebels, the line between good and evil blurs. After the fall of Tongguan, the Mawei mutiny, and endless strife, the land lies in ruins. Ultimately, Xiao Jin dies defending Yanmen Pass with his name uncleared, Li Yu retreats to Zhongnan Mountain in vain, and Shi Chen, his Zen heart shattered, seals himself in an ancient temple. None find fulfillment, illustrating the bleak fate of chivalry unable to save a crumbling era, where all are pawns of their time. — Description from novelcodex.org