A band of European mercenaries, including William Garin and Pero Tovar, travel to China during the reign of the Renzong Emperor, in search of the secret to gunpowder. Resting in a cave a few miles north of the Great Wall of China, they are attacked by a monster, leaving only William and Tovar alive. They cut off the monster's hand and bring it with them. The next day, reaching the Wall, they are taken prisoner by soldiers of the Nameless Order, led by General Shao and Strategist Wang.