This chapter's epigraph comes from a soliloquy by the mage, who explains that although the sceptics of the Ming empire have reduced the number of their mages, they still have a great deal of strength. He tells the story of how the Mings have been attacked by the qilu and huarong empires, and how many cities have fallen to the enemy. The mage suggests that Mings should stay at the city of orchid dream city, which is just outside the city. He says that the city is full of advanced magic academy and that he hopes to meet Ming again one day.