Long ago, in ancient China, the peacock family ruled over Gongmen City. They brought joy and prosperity to the people by introducing fireworks, a dazzling gift that filled the city with light and color. But their son, Lord Shen, saw a darker potential in the fireworks.

What had brought joy, he realized, could also bring fear and destruction.

Troubled by his fascination, Shen's parents sought counsel from their allies in the West, hoping that a bond might guide him toward a brighter path. Their allies had a daughter, a princess of great beauty and grace, who was now of age. The families arranged a betrothal between Shen and the princess, believing their union could secure both peace and happiness for Gongmen City.

But tragedy struck one spring night. A powerful enemy, a man named Kie, attacked the royal family in the West. The princess, the sole survivor, fled to Gongmen City. Heartbroken and with nowhere else to go, she was taken in by Shen's parents, who raised her as their own.

In time, the princess and Shen grew close. Their interactions began with quiet exchanges in palace halls, fleeting glances in the gardens, and shared hours of study. Their friendship blossomed, and eventually, it deepened into love.

But even her love could not distract Shen from his growing obsession with the power of fireworks. Shen's parents, more worried than ever, consulted a wise soothsayer. She foretold a grim future: if Shen continued down his dark path, he would one day be defeated by a warrior of black and white. Undeterred, Shen vowed to change his fate—but in doing so, he only fulfilled the prophecy he sought to avoid.

Shen returned to the palace expecting pride and praise, but instead, he saw horror in his parents' eyes. Most painful of all was the sorrow on the princess's face, her gaze filled with despair and tears.

For his actions, Shen was banished from Gongmen City.

But as he departed, he swore revenge. Someday, he would return, and all of China would bow at his feet.