The young executive was completely exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes, trying to keep his business afloat while keeping his creditors at bay.  Every day he worked 12 hours or more, as well as burning the midnight oil, but it still wasn’t enough. He could feel his company sinking as his own energy waned and vanished.  His best friend (at least he had one!) said, “You need a break. You’ve got to get out of the office, leave the city. Try to find a place in the country with a cool grove of birch trees.”

Once upon a time, there were three adult sisters who lived together with their divorced mother in a small apartment on a busy city street. Valerie was the oldest and most responsible. She helped with every household chore, as well as constantly comforting her mother after a bitter divorce battle with the estranged father. In the middle was Victoria (who liked to be called Vicky), a relatively soft-spoken career woman who also happened to be the most dedicated to her long-time boyfriend. Last but not least came Vivian, the most entrepreneurial and vivacious of all. She was always finding new products and services to sell, at a profit, to both her extended family and friends.

For thousands of years, the people of China have had the utmost respect for all natural things. Long ago in a simpler time, men would roam the forest to explore its bounty and marvel at the beauty of new and untouched lands. There is an ancient legend that tells of a mystical lake, nestled high up in the mountains. This lake was blessed with the soul of a long-extinct creature with the strength to wield unknown ancient magic. It is known as the lake of abundant life. 

To the west of the Kiautschou gulf, sits the mighty Wu-Lian Mountain. Ancient myths describe the peak of this range as home to some of the lands most ancient spirits and creatures. For hundreds of years, the mountain has been used as a vital landmark for travelers and local villagers known to all as the Golden Mountain.