Chang’an, where a hundred ghosts roam at night;

Luoyang, where the ghostly army borrows the road;

In the year 649 AD, the Celestial Khan passed away in Hanfeng Hall, and the God of War died upon his sickbed.

An empress of her era shaved her head and became a nun at Lingbao Temple; the divine detective of the Great Tang entered the Imperial Academy to study.

A soul belonging to the future arrived in the city of Chang’an.

Beneath the flourishing era of Zhenguan, demons and monsters lurk in the darkness. In the resplendent capital, fiends and spirits run rampant.

This is a world where humans and monsters coexist.

The Untouchables wield their blades, stirring up storms and turmoil.

Immortality? I do not desire it! Ten thousand years is too long—I only strive for every moment, to live life to the fullest.

This is a historical novel tinged with a touch of fantasy.

I don’t know if everyone can accept it, but I hope to share this story with you all.

Volume One: The Young Wanderer

Prologue

The sweltering weather had lasted for more than half a month.

A sudden torrential downpour at dusk did nothing to drive away the heat; instead, it turned the city of Chang’an into a giant steamer.

Dong dong dong!

As night fell over Chang’an, the drums of the six streets sounded in unison.

David Sutton stood on a stone bridge on Anhua Gate Avenue, gazing into the distance.

In the darkness, the outline of the imperial city could be vaguely seen.

He turned around and saw the gate of Datong Ward not far away closing.

“Amy Chandler, let’s go.”

A young man in his early twenties walked onto the stone bridge and called out to David Sutton.

Amy Chandler was David Sutton’s childhood name, used only by family and his closest friends.

The young man’s name was Brian Chandler, David Sutton’s elder brother, and also his friend.

David Sutton was now eighteen, an Untouchable in Chang’an County’s yamen. Since Brian Chandler was five years older and more experienced, David Sutton always followed his lead and stayed by his side. So, as soon as Brian Chandler called, David Sutton immediately responded, hurried a few steps to catch up, and together they descended the other side of the stone bridge, walking along the main street.

Both wore black clothes and carried swords at their waists.

They walked along Anhua Gate Avenue, checking each ward’s gates along the way to ensure they were properly closed, leaving records as required.

On the road, they encountered a squad of Jinwu Guards.

Fortunately, both wore waist tokens issued by Chang’an County, so the Jinwu Guards did not trouble them.

“Second Brother, this waist token looks a bit different from the ones we use during the day.”

“Of course it’s different. This one was specially made for us by the Bureau of Astronomy, for night patrols. It’s quite different from the tokens we usually wear.”

David Sutton asked in confusion, “What’s the difference?”

Brian Chandler replied, “The difference, heh, you’ll find out in the future.”

The night was deep, making it hard to see Brian Chandler’s expression.

But from his words, David Sutton sensed something unusual.

“Amy Chandler, you’ve only just become an Untouchable, so there’s a lot you don’t know. Chang’an is far from as simple as you imagine. Especially at night... The night curfew only restricts people. With this waist token for protection, it can keep us safe.”

“I still don’t quite understand.”

“Heh, you’ll understand in time!”

Brian Chandler spoke with much reservation, as if he had concerns.

David Sutton grew even more puzzled.

He and Brian Chandler were very close, having played together since childhood. His elder brother had always looked after him. Now, seeing him so hesitant, David Sutton’s curiosity only grew, and he couldn’t help wanting to ask more.

But just then, Brian Chandler suddenly stopped walking.

“Second Brother, why did you stop?”

“Do you feel anything?”

“Feel what?”

David Sutton looked blankly at Brian Chandler, who stood motionless in the middle of the street.

But Brian Chandler didn’t answer. He just frowned and said, “Don’t speak. Stand where you are. Don’t move.”

“All right!”

David Sutton agreed aloud.

But as soon as he spoke, he realized and quickly covered his mouth with his hand, looking curiously at Brian Chandler.

Brian Chandler stood there for about thirty breaths before letting out a long sigh, shaking his head, and giving a bitter smile.

“Amy Chandler, aren’t you curious why we have to patrol at night?”

“Isn’t it because things have been unsettled in Chang’an lately, so we’re supposed to assist the Jinwu Guards?”

“Yes, unsettled!”

Brian Chandler let out a cold laugh, gazing toward the distant imperial city.

Tonight, thick clouds covered the sky above Chang’an, not a single star in sight.

The outline of the imperial city was hazy in the darkness, barely visible.

“I heard a few days ago that the Celestial Khan’s health is failing, and he’s gravely ill.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that too. But what does that have to do with our night patrols?”

“That, I don’t know either.”

After speaking, Brian Chandler waved his hand at David Sutton and said, “Let’s go. Let’s finish our rounds quickly and get some rest. In this heat, just a short walk and my clothes are soaked through. Hopefully, nothing happens tonight.”

Nothing happening would be best!

David Sutton smiled and hurried a few steps to catch up with Brian Chandler.

Still, he couldn’t help glancing back toward the imperial city: Is the Celestial Khan really about to die?