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The book tells the story of Rin, a young woman with the ability to wield the power of the gods, as she navigates a world of war, politics, and mythology. The story begins with a flashback to Rin's childhood, where she and her brother explore the forbidden grottoes of the Nine Curves River, leading to a traumatic event that sets the stage for the rest of the book. The main story follows Rin as she joins a group of warriors known as the Cike, led by the Dragon Warlord, Vaisra, in their fight against the Empire and the Empress, Su Daji. Along the way, Rin must confront her own demons, including her addiction to opium and her struggle to control her powers, as well as the complex web of alliances and rivalries between the various factions vying for power in the Empire. As the war escalates, Rin finds herself at the center of a maelstrom of violence and deception, forced to make difficult choices and confront the darkness within herself. Throughout the book, Rin's character evolves as she grapples with the consequences of her actions and the true nature of her powers, ultimately leading to a climactic showdown with the Empress and the forces of the Empire. The book explores themes of war, trauma, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, set against a richly detailed and immersive fantasy world inspired by Chinese history and mythology.
Two young brothers, Nezha and Mingzha, sneak away to explore the mysterious and forbidden grottoes of the Nine Curves River, despite warnings of dangers and evils that lurk within. As they venture closer to the caves, they discover their father's cloak at the bottom of the river, which seems to have come from one of the grottoes. Suddenly, a massive wave crashes down, and Nezha is submerged underwater, where he sees a eerie and beautiful sight of treasures and faces embedded in the sand. However, he soon realizes that something is terribly wrong with the water, and he hears his brother's screams. When Nezha resurfaces, he finds that his brother is gone, and the water is stained with blood and gruesome remains. A dark shape emerges from the grotto, and a menacing voice speaks to Nezha, leaving him terrified and screaming.
The story follows Rin and the Cike as they arrive in the port city of Adlaga, where they plan to assassinate the local government official, Yang Yuanfu. Rin is struggling with opium withdrawal and the constant presence of the Phoenix, a powerful and vengeful deity that fuels her anger and desire for destruction. As they prepare for the mission, Rin's condition worsens, and she is forced to confront the trauma and guilt that have been haunting her since the events at Speer. Despite her fragile state, Rin is determined to see the mission through and prove herself as a capable commander. However, things take a turn when they discover that the Empress, Su Daji, has arrived in Adlaga, throwing their plans into chaos and raising the stakes for their mission.
Rin's encounter with Empress Su Daji in the port city of Adlaga sparks a intense and violent reaction, as she struggles to contain her anger and the power of the Phoenix. Despite her initial desire to attack Daji, Rin's plans are foiled when she is overwhelmed by the crowd and her own traumatic memories, triggering a loss of control and a fiery outburst. Her companions intervene, sedating her with laudanum to prevent further destruction, and they make their escape as the Imperial Militia gives chase. As Rin succumbs to the sedative, she is haunted by illusions of her past actions, particularly the destruction of the longbow island, and she is forced to confront the darkness within herself.
Rin wakes up from a laudanum-induced haze to find herself on a ship, with Chaghan tending to her. She's been out for a couple of days, and her condition has worsened. Chaghan confronts her about her lack of control and the dangers she poses to herself and others. He tells her that Enki and Unegen have left the Cike, and that the others are only staying with her because they're scared and have nowhere else to go. Rin tries to apologize and make amends, but Chaghan is unforgiving. She eventually joins the others in the mess, where they're eating a meager meal. They discuss their situation and their plans to go after Empress Su Daji again. Rin confesses her fears of losing control and hurting them, but Baji reassures her that they'll support her and help her learn to control her powers. Later, Rin locks herself in her cabin and tries to confront the Phoenix, the powerful deity that's been driving her actions. However, she's unable to resist its influence and eventually gives in to her addiction, using opium to numb the pain and the voices in her head.
Rin and the Cike arrive in the Floating City of Ankhiluun, a lawless port where they hope to acquire weapons and supplies. However, their plans are complicated by the presence of the Pirate Queen, Chiang Moag, who demands that Rin complete a job for her in exchange for her help. Moag wants Rin to sink a ship, the Heron, which is suspected of embezzlement, and in return, she will provide Rin with the supplies she needs. Rin agrees, but only after Moag reveals that she has been keeping Kitay, Rin's former friend and classmate, under house arrest. Rin visits Kitay, who is working for Moag as an accountant, and the two have a tense and emotional reunion. Kitay is angry with Rin for her actions and her obsession with revenge against the Empress, and he accuses her of losing her sense of scale and morality. The reunion ends in violence, with Kitay burning Rin's hand in a fit of rage and grief, revealing that he has been inflicting similar burns on himself in an attempt to understand the suffering of others.
Rin and the Cike are sailing on the Caracel, a ship lent to them by the Pirate Queen, Moag, when they are ambushed by a mysterious warship called the Cormorant. The ship appears to be empty, with no crew on deck, and is able to maneuver and fire cannons with precision, suggesting that it has a shaman on board. The Cike are quickly overpowered and captured, and Rin realizes that Moag must have sold them out. They are taken aboard a massive war junk, where they are bound and held captive. Just as they are trying to come up with a plan to escape, a general boards the ship, and to Rin's shock, it is Nezha, a former classmate and friend who she thought had died. Nezha's face is severely scarred, and he seems to have undergone some kind of transformation. He orders the Cike to be unbound, revealing that he has a personal connection to them and that they are not prisoners, but rather, they are being taken to meet his father.
Rin is brought before the Dragon Warlord, Yin Vaisra, who reveals that he has been searching for her and proposes an alliance to overthrow the Empire and establish a new republic. Vaisra offers Rin his resources and military might in exchange for her help, but she is hesitant to trust him. Despite her reservations, Rin considers Vaisra's proposal, weighing the potential benefits of joining forces with him against the risks of betrayal. Meanwhile, Kitay is also brought on board and is fiercely opposed to Vaisra's plans, citing his loyalty to his family and the Empire. As tensions rise, Rin must decide whether to join Vaisra's cause or strike out on her own, all while navigating the complex web of alliances and rivalries between the various factions vying for power in the Empire.
Rin struggles to cope with the aftermath of her opium withdrawal and the trauma she has experienced. She is haunted by visions of Altan and the destruction she has caused, and she is desperate to find a way to quiet her mind and regain control over her actions. Vaisra, the Dragon Warlord, offers to help her, but his methods are harsh and unyielding. He refuses to give her opium, instead forcing her to confront her pain and learn to discipline her mind. With the help of Suni, Rin begins to find a way to manage her emotions and control the Phoenix's influence. She also starts to come to terms with her past actions and the consequences of her decisions. As she begins to heal, Rin starts to see the world around her more clearly, and she is faced with the reality of the devastation caused by the war and the suffering of the people. She also starts to form connections with those around her, including Nezha and Suni, and she begins to find a sense of purpose and belonging.
Rin continues her training with Captain Eriden, learning to fight without looking at her opponent's face, as she prepares to face Empress Su Daji. Vaisra reveals his plan to infiltrate the Autumn Palace, where Rin will be presented as a war criminal and attempt to get close to Daji. However, Rin will be sedated first to prevent her from attacking Daji prematurely. Meanwhile, Kitay discovers that his father, Defense Minister Chen, has died, and he demands a position in Vaisra's army, seeking revenge. Vaisra meets with the Snake Warlord, Ang Tsolin, who refuses to support Vaisra's plan for a civil war, citing the devastating consequences of the previous wars. Vaisra is furious but believes that Tsolin will eventually be forced to choose a side. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Vaisra remains confident that Rin will be the key to defeating Daji and sparking the war that will bring down the empire.
Rin is brought to the Autumn Palace as a prisoner, where she is forced to witness the Warlords' bickering and ineptitude. The Empress, Su Daji, reveals her true intentions and attempts to manipulate Rin, using her powers to create illusions and play on Rin's emotions. However, Chaghan intervenes, using his own powers to break Daji's hold on Rin. The two escape the palace, aided by Ramsa's explosives, and make their way back to their allies. Rin then joins the fight to rescue Vaisra, who has been injured, and they manage to escape the palace and make their way to the Seagrim, a ship that will take them to safety. As they set sail, Rin realizes that their actions have sparked a war, and she must come to terms with the consequences of her decisions.
Rin struggles to cope with the aftermath of her encounter with Empress Su Daji, feeling a sense of unease and disconnection from her body. She confides in Chaghan and Qara about her experience, and they discuss the implications of Daji's powers and the difficulty of defeating her. Meanwhile, Vaisra's condition improves, and he reveals his plan to sail out to sea and potentially gain the support of the Snake Warlord, Tsolin. Rin meets with Vaisra, who probes her motivations for staying with his army, and she confesses her desire for structure and control, as well as her need for approval and direction. Vaisra acknowledges her power and tells her that she cannot remain neutral, urging her to pick a side and embrace her role in the upcoming war. He advises her to run towards suffering and not flinch from it, emphasizing that her life is no longer her own due to her immense power.
Rin arrives in Arlong, the Dragon Province's capital, and is introduced to the city's unique landscape and military preparations. She meets with Nezha's brother, Yin Jinzha, who is dismissive of her abilities and demands that she demonstrate her powers. When Rin tries to summon fire, she is met with a searing pain in her temples and a vision of the past, revealing a mysterious Seal that blocks her access to the Phoenix. Chaghan helps her navigate the Seal, and they discover that it is a gateway to a realm where the Vipress's venom resides. Rin is forced to confront her desires and memories, including a vision of Altan, and realizes that Chaghan is also obsessed with him. The two have a falling out, and Rin is left to navigate her new reality without Chaghan's guidance. She later meets with Venka, who has been disowned by her father and is struggling to come to terms with her own trauma. The two commiserate about their shared experiences and the challenges they face as women in a war-torn world.
The southern Warlords have announced their independence from the Empire, and the Dragon Warlord, Vaisra, is planning to overthrow the Empire and establish a new republic. However, the Warlords are hesitant to commit troops and are instead playing a waiting game, hoping that the Empire will welcome them back. Rin, frustrated with the delay, argues that they should attack the north immediately, but Vaisra's plan is to starve the northern provinces into submission by blocking their food supplies. The council eventually agrees to this plan, despite Kitay's objections that it will lead to the deaths of innocent people. As the days pass, Arlong prepares for war, and Rin trains with Nezha to improve her combat skills. Meanwhile, Kitay becomes increasingly frustrated with Vaisra's leadership and the council's inaction. Just as it seems that the Republic is settling in for a defensive war, news arrives that a fleet of ships from the west is sailing into the Dragon Province, revealing that Vaisra has been waiting for backup all along.
Rin is forced to meet with the Hesperian delegates, led by General Tarcquet, who are interested in studying her abilities as a Speerly, a shaman with immense power. The Hesperians believe that Rin's powers are a manifestation of Chaos, a force that opposes their concept of the Divine Architect, a benevolent deity that created the world. They propose to study Rin in exchange for their military aid, which the Dragon Warlord, Vaisra, desperately needs to overthrow the Empire. Despite her initial reluctance, Rin agrees to cooperate with the Hesperians, hoping to gain their support and use their advanced technology to defeat the Empress. However, she is subjected to a series of invasive and humiliating experiments by Sister Petra, a representative of the Gray Company, a Hesperian organization that seeks to understand and eliminate Chaos. Rin's experiences with Petra are traumatic, and she is forced to confront the darkness within herself and the true nature of her powers. As she navigates the complex web of alliances and rivalries between the various factions, Rin must decide how far she is willing to go to achieve her goals and whether the cost of her actions is worth the potential reward.
The story begins with Rin waking up to chaos in Arlong as the city's water sources have been poisoned, killing countless fish and other aquatic life. The Cike soon discover that the poison has also affected one of their own, Aratsha, who dies in Rin's arms after revealing that the poison is not just limited to the city's water but also affects the entire country's agricultural irrigation channels. The southern Warlords realize that they must act quickly to counter the Empire's move, and Vaisra announces his plan to sail up the Murui River to attack the Empire. Rin is assigned to the first fleet, commanded by Jinzha, and will sail ahead to find the source of the poison and destroy it. Meanwhile, Venka, who has been recovering from her traumatic experience, demands to join the fight and eventually convinces Rin to let her come along, despite Nezha's objections. As the fleet sets sail, Rin reflects on the challenges ahead and the fact that the Hesperians are only observing and waiting to see if the Republic is worthy of their support. The chapter ends with Rin and her comrades boarding the Swallow, a small and fast warship, and preparing for their mission to find and destroy the source of the poison.
Rin and the Cike continue their mission to find the source of the poison that has been killing the fish in the river. They travel upstream and eventually discover a building that appears to be the source of the poison. Inside, they find a slaughterhouse where pigs are being killed for their bladders, which are used to contain the poison. They also encounter Niang, a former classmate who has been working with the Empire to poison the river. Niang reveals that she was motivated by a desire for revenge against the Republic, which she blames for the death of her brothers. Kitay is forced to kill Niang, and the group then destroys the building and the poison. As they return to their ship, Kitay breaks down and reveals the trauma he has been experiencing since the events at Golyn Niis. Rin tries to comfort him, and they eventually rejoin the Republican Fleet. The fleet's commander, Jinzha, orders the execution of two Imperial guards who were involved in the poisoning, and the group reflects on the brutality of war and the difficulty of fighting against former friends and classmates.
The Republican Fleet, led by Jinzha, continues its campaign to conquer the northern provinces, using a combination of military might and psychological manipulation to subdue the local populations. Rin, still struggling with her own demons, is forced to confront the harsh realities of war and the true intentions of the Hesperians, who are using their advanced technology and supposed "civilizing" influence to exert control over the Nikara people. As the fleet approaches the northern border of Hare Province, they are delayed by a thunderstorm, during which Rin experiences a strange and unsettling vision. Meanwhile, tensions simmer between Rin and Chaghan, who has been distant and cold towards her since their falling-out. The Cike, Rin's group of warriors, pass the time by playing games and waiting for the storm to pass, but they are all eager for action and frustrated by the lack of challenge in their recent victories. As the storm finally begins to clear, the fleet prepares to continue its campaign, with Rin and her comrades steeling themselves for the battles ahead.
The Republican Fleet, led by Jinzha, launches a campaign to conquer the northern provinces, but they are met with resistance from the Ram Warlord, Tsung Ho, who has allied with the Federation. Rin and her comrades devise a plan to infiltrate the city of Xiashang, using a combination of deception and force to gain entry. They successfully breach the city gates, but the battle is intense and chaotic, with both sides suffering heavy losses. As the Republicans gain the upper hand, Rin confronts Tsung Ho and his family, using his son as leverage to force his surrender. However, the aftermath of the battle is marked by controversy, as Jinzha decides to spare the lives of the Federation soldiers and the Ram Warlord's men, despite their treason. Rin is outraged and demoted from her position as commander of the Cike, and she lashes out at Jinzha and the others, before eventually becoming drunk and introspective. In a conversation with Nezha, she expresses her disillusionment with the Republic's ideals and her belief that the Nikara people are not capable of self-governance. Nezha shares a myth about the goddess Nüwa creating humanity, which serves as a commentary on the social hierarchy of the Nikara empire.
Rin struggles to come to terms with the disbanding of the Cike and her new role as a foot soldier, taking orders from Jinzha without question. She finds solace in the physical demands of the campaign, losing herself in the grueling schedule of battles and training. Meanwhile, Kitay expresses his concerns about the ease of their victories, suspecting that the Empire is planning a counteroffensive. Rin's meetings with Sister Petra continue to be humiliating and invasive, as Petra tries to understand and measure Chaos. The Hesperians on the Kingfisher maintain their distance from the Nikara, but Tarcquet's intervention in a skirmish between prisoners and missionaries highlights the tension between the two groups. As the campaign progresses, the Republic faces its first major challenge in Rat Province, where the Warlord has retreated to a heavily barricaded capital city, planning to starve the fleet out. Jinzha's leadership is called into question, and Kitay warns that their situation is precarious, with the risk of starvation and defeat looming large.
The story continues with Rin and the Republican Fleet navigating through treacherous waters, both literally and figuratively. They come across a village where they find numerous frozen corpses, and Rin is forced to confront the harsh realities of war. Meanwhile, Nezha's secrets are revealed, and Rin discovers that he is a shaman with the ability to control water. However, Nezha is struggling to cope with his powers and the pain that comes with them. As the fleet faces numerous challenges, including explosions and fires, Nezha's abilities are put to the test, and he is forced to confront his own fears and limitations. Rin tries to help Nezha control his powers, but he is resistant to her assistance, and their conversation turns heated. The chapter ends with Nezha's emotional turmoil and Rin's determination to help him, despite his reluctance to accept her aid.
The Republican Fleet, led by Jinzha, prepares to attack the Imperial Navy at Lake Boyang. Kitay discovers the secret to the Militia's underwater explosives, which are made from animal intestines. Jinzha orders the fleet to sail to Boyang despite the risks and warnings from his advisors. The Imperial Navy, led by Chang En, is better equipped than expected, and the battle turns into a disaster for the Republicans. Just as all hope seems lost, the Wind God Feylen appears, wreaking havoc on the fleet with his powers. Chaghan attempts to stop Feylen using his own powers, but is overpowered and thrown into the water along with Qara. Rin and Kitay are swept away by the current and struggle to stay afloat as they are dragged towards a waterfall. Jinzha sees them but disappears before he can help, and the rope that was their only hope of rescue goes slack, leaving them to plummet over the waterfall.
Rin and her companions, including Kitay and the twins Chaghan and Qara, find themselves at the mercy of a group of riders from the Ketreyid tribe, led by a woman named Bekter and ultimately by the Sorqan Sira, their leader. The Ketreyids possess a unique form of communication that allows them to convey thoughts and images directly into each other's minds. Through this, Rin learns that the Ketreyids have been watching her and are aware of her abilities as a Speerly, a shaman with immense power. The Sorqan Sira reveals a dark history between the Ketreyids and the Nikara Empire, including a tragic event involving Jiang, one of the Trifecta and Rin's former master. The Sorqan Sira shows Rin a vision of the past, where Jiang, Su Daji, and Riga are seen negotiating with the Ketreyids, leading to a violent confrontation. The Sorqan Sira proposes an alliance with Rin, offering to help her defeat the Empress in exchange for her cooperation. However, Rin is unsure if she can trust the Ketreyids, and the Sorqan Sira's true intentions remain unclear. The chapter ends with the Sorqan Sira deciding to "fix" Rin, implying that she plans to use Rin for her own purposes.
Rin undergoes a spiritual sweat ceremony with the Sorqan Sira to purge the poison left by Empress Daji. The ceremony forces Rin to confront her inner demons, particularly her obsession with Altan Trengsin. In a vision, Rin sees a banquet where she is reunited with old friends and Altan, but she eventually realizes that this is just an illusion created by the poison. She musters the strength to reject the illusion and kill the vision of Altan, symbolizing her liberation from his legacy. After the ceremony, Rin is left drained and emotional, but she feels a sense of freedom and release. The Sorqan Sira reveals that the poison has been purged, but Rin is left with a black handprint on her chest, a lasting reminder of Altan's influence. Despite this, Rin is determined to move on and tries to call the flame, but it doesn't come. However, she feels a pulse of energy and sees flashes of light, suggesting that her connection to the Phoenix is still present.
Rin and Kitay undergo a spiritual bonding ritual with the Sorqan Sira, which allows Rin to access the Phoenix's power through Kitay. The ritual involves the sacrifice of a deer and the use of psychedelics to open up the spirit world. During the ritual, Rin and Kitay's souls are linked, and they are able to see into each other's minds and thoughts. However, the ritual is intense and overwhelming, and Rin struggles to maintain control, causing Kitay pain and distress. After the ritual, Rin is able to summon the Phoenix's power without losing control, and she is overjoyed by her newfound ability. The chapter also explores the backstory of the twins, Chaghan and Qara, and their experiences as outcasts among their own people. As Rin and her companions prepare to leave the Ketreyid camp, Rin reflects on the weight of her newfound power and the responsibility that comes with it.
Rin and Kitay prepare to leave the Ketreyid camp, but their departure is delayed by a sudden and violent attack by the Hesperian missionaries, who have been secretly armed by Bekter, one of the Ketreyid riders. The missionaries, now armed with arquebuses, attack the Ketreyids, and Augus, one of the missionaries, shoots and kills the Sorqan Sira, the leader of the Ketreyids. Qara, Chaghan's twin sister, is also fatally shot while trying to protect her brother. Bekter, who has been planning a coup, reveals his true intentions and flees the scene, leaving Rin, Kitay, and Chaghan to mourn the loss of their allies. Chaghan, now alone and grief-stricken, sets out on the warhorse to warn his clan of the impending war, while Rin and Kitay are left to continue their journey on foot.
Rin returns to Arlong after a long and arduous journey, during which she and Kitay experimented with her abilities and pushed her limits. Upon her return, she is met with a mixture of excitement and skepticism, and she soon discovers that the city is preparing for war. Vaisra, the Dragon Warlord, is frustrated with the Hesperians' lack of commitment to their alliance and is trying to navigate the complex web of power and loyalty. Rin demands to be reinstated as the commander of the Cike, and Vaisra agrees, but warns her to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention to herself. Meanwhile, Nezha reveals a dark secret from his past, telling Rin that he was claimed by a dragon as a child and has been cursed ever since. The two have a heated argument, and their relationship appears to be irreparably damaged. Rin then reunites with her friends in the Cike, and they discuss their plans and strategies for the upcoming war. The chapter ends with Rin learning about the refugee crisis in Arlong and deciding to investigate further.
Rin visits the refugee district in Arlong, where she is met with a mixture of desperation and resentment from the southern refugees. She is shocked by the poor conditions and lack of resources, and is forced to confront her own complicated past and identity. Rin's reunion with her foster family, the Fangs, is tense and emotional, and she is met with anger and bitterness from her aunt. Meanwhile, the Empress Su Daji sends a message to the Republic, taunting Vaisra and announcing her intention to crush the rebellion. The Imperial Fleet is spotted approaching Arlong, and Vaisra's generals debate the best course of action to defend the city. Nezha challenges his father's decision to prioritize the defense of Arlong over the protection of other provinces, leading to a heated argument between the two. As the Imperial Fleet draws closer, Rin and the others prepare for battle, knowing that the fate of the Republic hangs in the balance.
Rin and the Cike embark on a mission to delay the Imperial Navy by obstructing the Murui River, using tactics outlined by Kitay in a pamphlet. They successfully implement these tactics, including sinking Jinzha's warship, but soon discover that the Imperial Navy has been augmented by the ships of the Snake Province, which has defected to the Empire. This devastating blow means that the Imperial Navy now has nearly double the number of ships, making it almost impossible for the Republic to defend itself. The news of Tsolin's defection sends shockwaves through the Republican leadership, with Vaisra secluding himself in his office and the others struggling to come to terms with the new reality. Rin returns to Arlong and meets with Kitay, who reveals that he had already learned of Tsolin's defection through a letter. The letter, written by Tsolin, explains that he defected to protect his people and prevent further bloodshed, and that he values their lives over his loyalty to the Republic. The chapter ends with Rin and the others reeling from the news, trying to come to terms with the fact that their situation has become even more dire.
Rin is visited by the blacksmith who hands her a new sword made from a rare and valuable ore. She is impressed with the sword's quality and feels a sense of comfort and familiarity with it. Meanwhile, Kesegi, her foster brother, arrives and asks her to meet with the southern Warlords, who reveal their plan to defect from the Republic and start their own revolution. They try to persuade Rin to join them, citing her southern heritage and the fact that she is the last Speerly, but she refuses, stating that she is loyal to the Republic and will not betray her friends. The Warlords accuse Vaisra of manipulating the war for his own gain and claim that the Hesperians are using the Republic for their own purposes. Rin is torn but ultimately decides not to join the Warlords, knowing that their plan is suicidal and that she has a better chance of survival with the Republic. As she escorts Kesegi back to the refugee quarters, they have a heated argument, and Kesegi reveals his resentment towards Rin for abandoning him and their family. Rin is forced to confront her past and the pain she has caused her loved ones. Later, she witnesses a Hesperian soldier raping a Nikara girl and intervenes, killing the soldier in a fit of rage. The girl is calm and seemingly untraumatized, revealing that this is not her first experience with rape. Rin is left to deal with the consequences of her actions, knowing that the Hesperians will retaliate against her and that she must dispose of the soldier's body to avoid detection.
Rin confides in Kitay about killing a Hesperian soldier who was raping a Nikara girl, and Kitay is frantic with worry about the consequences. They discuss the possibility of the Hesperians discovering the crime and punishing the entire Republic. Kitay reveals that he has been working on a secret project - a flying apparatus that uses the principles of hot air balloons to allow Rin to fly. They test the device, and to their surprise, it works. Rin is able to fly using the apparatus, which gives her a sense of freedom and power. Kitay suggests that they will need air support to protect Rin while she is flying, and Rin decides to recruit Venka, a skilled archer, to provide backup. Venka is hesitant at first, but is won over by Rin's offer and the gift of a rare and valuable silkworm thorn bow.
The city of Arlong is evacuated as the Imperial Navy approaches, with civilians fleeing to the caves in the cliffs for safety. The Republican Army prepares for battle, with Rin and her companions discussing their strategy to take down the Imperial Navy and the Wind God Feylen. Rin reveals her plan to use a flying contraption to take on Feylen, and Kitay expresses his concerns about the battle ahead. Meanwhile, Vaisra orders General Hu to be stopped after he suggests surrendering to the Empire, and later tasks Rin with killing the Pirate Queen Moag, who has proven to be an unreliable ally. Rin decides to send a message to Moag instead, hoping to secure her help in the future. As the night wears on, Nezha appears, still reeling from his past traumas, and attempts to make amends with Rin. The two share a tense and emotional conversation, but ultimately part ways as the signal gongs sound, signaling the start of the battle. Rin and Nezha put aside their differences, and Rin offers a glimmer of hope for their relationship, saying that together, they can take on the wind.
The Imperial Navy, led by Chang En, launches a massive attack on the city of Arlong, and Rin, Kitay, and Venka prepare to defend it. Rin uses her flying contraption to dive-bomb the Imperial ships, setting them ablaze and causing chaos. Meanwhile, Nezha's ship is overrun by Imperial troops, and he is forced to fight for his life. Rin lands on the ship and helps Nezha defeat the Imperial soldiers, but not before General Jun attempts to kill him. Nezha spares Jun's life, but later kills Chang En in a brutal and vengeful manner. As the battle rages on, Rin and Nezha share a moment of intimacy and solidarity, but their respite is short-lived, as the wind suddenly dies down, and the ship is ripped out from beneath them, signaling the arrival of the Wind God, Feylen.
Rin is separated from Nezha during the battle against the Imperial Navy and finds herself alone in the water, weighted down by wreckage. She manages to break free and rises to the surface, where she confronts the Wind God, Feylen. Despite his overwhelming power, Rin uses her knowledge of his past and his connection to the Cike to try and reach the real Feylen, who is trapped beneath the god's control. She distracts him long enough to fly close to the cliff wall, where she ignites a massive explosion that buries Feylen under the mountain. However, her victory is short-lived, as she is struck by a javelin and falls into the river. Nezha rescues her and they make their way to the shore, where Rin tends to her wounds and tries to calm Nezha, who is struggling with his own powers. As they catch their breath, they see a massive fleet of warships approaching on the horizon, which Nezha believes signifies their victory. However, Rin is less certain, knowing that the battle is far from over and that the true challenge lies ahead.
Rin faces off against Empress Su Daji, who reveals her true intentions and the motivations behind her actions. Daji's backstory is shown, including her experiences under Mugenese occupation and her desire to protect the Empire. Rin is torn between her desire for revenge and her growing uncertainty about the true enemy. Daji escapes, leaving Rin injured and questioning her own actions. Kitay arrives and tends to Rin's wounds, but Rin's reluctance to kill Daji raises questions about her loyalty and motivations. As Rin struggles to come to terms with her feelings, she begins to realize that the war is not as black and white as she thought, and that the true enemy may not be the Empire, but the Hesperians who have been manipulating events from behind the scenes.
Rin wakes up to the sound of gongs, indicating the end of the war, and is visited by Venka, who helps her get ready for a ceremony. Rin is still recovering from her injuries and is in pain, but she is determined to attend the ceremony. She meets with Kitay, who tells her that the war is over, but the Empire still hasn't surrendered. The southern Warlords are planning to defect from the Republic and start their own revolution. Rin is torn between her loyalty to the Republic and her desire to do what is right. She attends the ceremony, where she is forced to kill Ang Tsolin, the Snake Warlord, as a demonstration of her power and loyalty to Vaisra. After the ceremony, Rin meets with Nezha, who is still struggling with his own demons. They have a tense conversation, and Rin tries to reassure him that she trusts him. The chapter ends with Rin, Kitay, and the Cike planning their escape from Arlong, as they know they are no longer safe with Vaisra and the Hesperians in power.
Rin spends her last night in Arlong getting drunk with her friends Nezha, Venka, and Kitay. As they drink and talk, Rin reflects on her past and her relationships with her friends. She and Nezha share a moment of intimacy, but it's interrupted when Kitay and Venka leave. Nezha then takes Rin to a sampan on the harbor, where they talk about their feelings and the future. However, the night takes a dark turn when Nezha reveals his true intentions and stabs Rin in the back, leaving her mortally wounded. As Rin lies dying, she tries to speak, but Nezha silences her and drives the knife deeper, ensuring her demise.
Rin wakes up in a cell, injured and disoriented, with no memory of how she got there. She soon realizes that she is a prisoner of the Dragon Warlord, Vaisra, and that her friends, Baji and Suni, have been executed by firing squad. Lady Saikhara, Nezha's mother, appears and reveals that she has been working with the Hesperians to cure her son's dragon mark, and that Rin is to blame for their failure. Saikhara's true intentions are unclear, but her actions suggest a deep-seated hatred for Rin and a desire for revenge. Vaisra and General Tarcquet arrive, and Rin learns that she is to be taken to the Hesperians, who will study and experiment on her. In a desperate attempt to escape, Rin reveals that Nezha is a shaman, hoping to turn Vaisra against his own son. However, Vaisra remains unmoved, and Rin is left to await her fate. As she sits in her cell, she feels a strange sensation in her arm, which she realizes is a message from Kitay, who is trying to communicate with her through their psychic bond. Rin responds by scratching a message into her arm, hoping that Kitay will see it and come to her rescue.
Rin and Kitay escape from their captors with the help of Venka, who has managed to infiltrate the prison. They make their way to a ship, where they meet up with other allies, including Gurubai, the Monkey Warlord. As they sail away from the city, they discuss their plan to take down the Dragon Warlord, Vaisra, and the Hesperians, who have formed an alliance to control the Nikara Empire. Rin, still reeling from her injuries and the trauma she has experienced, is determined to lead the southern army against Vaisra and the Hesperians. She believes that the south has the numbers and the motivation to win, and that she can use her powers as a Speerly to rally the people and lead them to victory. Kitay is skeptical, but ultimately agrees to support Rin's plan. As they prepare for war, Rin's anger and hatred towards Nezha, who has betrayed her and joined forces with Vaisra, continue to grow. The Phoenix, the powerful deity that has been guiding Rin, senses her emotions and urges her to let her hatred smolder and grow, promising that together they will burn down the world.