The war for power begins with the end of one empire. The war for power will shape a country, a people. First, it will shape the lives of two men: Cao Zhou, a merchant's son turned soldier, and Ken Lou Fan, a soldier's son. War may be cruel, but fate can be crueler. Cao is born to a drunken, abusive merchant father and is sold. Just when he begins to know love, war comes. Ken is born during the war to his father, Ming, and his loving mother. Both parents are taken away, and he is raised by his godfather. Where will fate lead these men, and what will destiny teach them? Power corrupts, and war stains peoples' memories and hearts. This will turn both men's fate. Blade to blade, honor for honor, where will it lead?