The Rise of Shendu
Long ago, in an age lost to history, Zetian poured the final flames of her phoenix spirit into the creation of Shendu, a sanctuary for mortals amid the chaos of divine wars. She became the city’s first ruler—the "Tomb Keeper" who honored the fallen with an unmarked monument to the Ancient Ones. Her power spent, she fell into a deep slumber, vanishing from the world.
Millennia passed. Then, by the tranquil waters of the Lake of Reflection, she awakened—reborn in mortal form, stripped of her memories but destined to reclaim her legacy. She returned to Shendu, the Divine Capital, and walked once more the long path to the throne she had built.
The Path of Fire and Reflection
Zetian was not born into greatness. Orphaned and unknown, her earliest memories were of a humble merchant named Wu, who found her at the lake’s edge and raised her as his own. He taught her to read, write, and care for the people. Though burdened with questions about her origin, Zetian’s heart burned with purpose. She believed peace could be achieved—not through divine power, but through will, wisdom, and unshakable resolve.
Her rise was hard-earned. Through keen intellect and military brilliance, she dismantled rebellions and rose through the political ranks. In time, the people stopped speaking of her past, for her present brilliance outshone all. To them, she became a beacon of strength and justice.
Whispers from the Waters
It wasn’t until she returned to the Lake of Reflection that the truth revealed itself. As she gazed into the still waters, her past awakened. The reflection pulled her in—not metaphorically, but literally—into a vision of her former self.
She heard echoes of a forgotten prophecy:
"The Twin Gods will rise again. Only one with selfless resolve can lead mortals to peace..."
It was her voice. It had always been her destiny.
The truth came flooding back. Zetian had once been the sovereign who forged Shendu using ancient Yin-Yang techniques. She had vanished in the chaos of the War of the Twin Dragons, and it was her sacrifice that left behind the phoenix spirit guarding the capital for thousands of years. When the ancient beast Baxia clashed with the reborn Black Dragon, it shook the world—and woke her.
Though her divine essence had faded, her will had never wavered.
The Empress Ascends
Now, spring has returned to the Divine Capital, and with it, the Empress.
At the Phoenix Terrace, beneath a sky filled with cherry blossoms, thousands gathered to witness history. Dressed in ceremonial robes embroidered with phoenix feathers, Zetian ascended the steps with quiet dignity.
As she reached the summit, her voice rang out with power and clarity:
"By Heaven’s Decree—
In times forgotten, the Ancient Ones created this land of Yin and Yang. To protect the Cadia Riverlands, they left behind their wisdom and strength. Now, I accept the Will of the Heavens. I shall safeguard the Divine Capital, comfort the people, and uphold the legacy entrusted to me.”
With that declaration, the divine spirit responded. Peonies bloomed at her brow, and a magnificent phoenix rose from her hands—an ancient power reborn not through conquest, but through compassion, perseverance, and the belief of her people.
The Dawn of a New Era
Zetian’s ascension is not just a return of power. It is a rekindling of faith. Her throne is not won by blood or birthright, but by the will of those she serves. The phoenix spirit, once dormant, now shines once more—its flames fed not by divinity, but by hope.
The gods may have passed, but the era of mortals has just begun.
By Heaven’s decree, Empress Zetian reigns once more—and with her, a realm in full bloom rises to meet its destiny.