A college student investigates a series of mysterious deaths.

During a time of unrest in Shazhou, a once-prosperous Tang Dynasty outpost now under Tibetan control, a rebellion led by Zhang Yichao sparks hope for liberation. As the conflict intensifies, a group of unlikely heroes—including a thief, a deserter, and a general’s daughter—unite to fight for their people’s freedom.

A Tang Dynasty minor official risks everything to deliver lychees across China. Li Shande, middle-aged and struggling, sees this dangerous mission as his last chance for success.

After the turmoil brought on by the enchantment of the Fox Demon on the Scholar subsides, the capital city returns to its former prosperity and bustle. Empress Wu, in high spirits, decides to hold a hunting event, inviting nobles and skilled warriors from the common folk to come together and engage in equestrian archery competitions. The Tuyuhun Khan Murong Ji, too, is invited but finds himself suspect in a conspiracy to assassinate the Empress due to a series of unfortunate events. With no way out, Murong Ji seeks Pei Kun, hoping that he can assist in finding the true culprit and clear his name.

Despite his family’s famed expertise on ancient relics, Xu Yuan makes a simple living as the owner of an electronics shop, eager to distinguish himself from a disgraced ancestor who was executed for treason after stealing a Chinese artifact for Japan. But when a descendant offers to return the relic to China, Xu Yuan uncovers a decades-old mystery and soon embarks on a journey that could finally restore his family’s reputation—and may also cost him his life.