The Saints Are Sleeping (Xianxia) (Book 1 Complete)

Heaven is barred. The immortal Saints, those whose power rivals the gods, have retreated to an endless solitude. The Empire of the Golden Dragon is awash in an unyielding cycle of war, misery, and death. For young Ashai, however, the woes of the world are little more than distant whispers and half-heard rumors. His life is not an easy one, for none can live without suffering, but he and his friends have achieved that which many can only dream of: safety and peace. Treasures he wouldn't trade for anything. Alas, that bastard Fate is always an uninvited guest, and he is rarely kind. When Ashai inherits an ancient, forbidden power, his peaceful life is torn away.  The world beyond awaits, teetering between damnation and redemption. The power residing within Ashai, an amalgam of the accursed and the divine, may decide the fate of all. Much has been forsaken, and yet all can still be made right. But the Path is long, and time runs short. ***** For those who have made it this far, here's what you can expect: - Chapters will usually range from 4k-6k words, posted every Tuesday. - Slow-burn. This story will spread across many years.  - Protagonists who, while not without flaws, generally try to help those around them. No murdering people just because they looked at you funny.  - A cast of side characters who grow and change with the protagonists.  - A large, living world. The characters' actions will often have far-reaching consequences. - No harem. If you've made it THIS far, then damn, you're a trooper. Might as well start the first chapter now, eh? Eh??