Interstellar pirates raid, alliances crumble, and a dark matter called black gold suddenly appears. Its highly radioactive and destructive power threatens all of humanity. Simultaneously, alien species frequently create crises, and large-scale mutations occur in humans, with black gold becoming the first suspect. Evolution or purification? Humanity faces its greatest existential crisis and dilemma since entering the interstellar age...

The story takes place in the fictional Chinese kingdom of Caiyun. According to legend, a young man, aided by the power of the Eight Immortals, founded Caiyun. Consequently, Caiyun's territory was divided into eight provinces: Hongzhou, Huangzhou, Bizhou, Lanzhou, Zizhou, Heizhou, Baizhou, and Chazhou. Approximately 600 years ago, the king of the time ordered the nobles of each province to adopt one of these eight colors as their surnames (for example, the Marquis of Lanzhou became Lan, the Marquis of Hongzhou became Hong, and so on). Commoners were prohibited from sharing surnames with these eight marquises. Consequently, those bearing these eight colors were considered the most aristocratic of the nobles. Furthermore, because the Marquis of Zizhou, where the capital was located, also served as king, the Zi family became the royal family's surname. Despite being born into the prestigious Hong family, Hong Xiuli lived in poverty. She had to work extensively to support her family. Having experienced the turmoil of the throne struggle as a child, she deeply understood the suffering of the people. From a young age, she diligently studied, hoping to pass the imperial examination, become an official, assist the king, and build a prosperous and peaceful nation. However, as a woman, she cannot take the imperial examination. One day, Xiu Li accepts a high-paying commission from Grand Tutor Xiao and enters the harem as a noble concubine to teach and assist the incompetent emperor. This opportunity leads Xiu Li to a career as an official, and she encounters a variety of people.

The Moon holds crucial strategic significance for Earth and serves as humanity's gateway to the deeper reaches of the universe. As a regular soldier stationed at China's Guanghan Station on the Moon, Cauchy is fully aware of the weight of his responsibility. Witnessing the warm lives of lunar residents and the continuous breakthroughs made by scientific research, Cauchy's vision for humanity's future grows ever more profound. The successful development of helium-3 has completely solved humanity's electricity needs, but it has also stirred the wrath of those with ulterior motives. He is forced to ponder whether technological advancement is designed to perpetuate war or to forge a brighter future for humanity...