Imperial

A historically powerful role in imperial China, often a Buddhist or Daoist master who served as the Emperor’s chief spiritual advisor; in the Dao-Twisted World, this implies immense supernatural and political authority.

Definition

Story context

Gather your gear, fellow Daoists—we’re hitting the road! After a heavy info-dump about the terrifying Zhuge Yuan, Li Huowang is assembling with his oddly-matched squad for a mission that screams “disaster waiting to happen.” The Chief Recorder is sweating bullets, an old flame (literally his wife) wants him to retire to a mulberry tree, and our favorite paranoid protagonist is turning his carriage into a literal coffin. Oh, and there’s a new spirit-dancer in town who’s about as friendly as a pissed-off wolverine. Welcome to another day in the Dao-Twisted World, where even the morning commute is a horror show.

Why it matters

Alright, first thing: Zhuge Yuan. This guy is the new wild card, and the Chief Recorder’s fear is real. We’ve seen plenty of monsters and cults, but a man who can edit the universe with a book? That’s a whole new level of horror. Li Huowang’s confusion is justified—if this guy is on your side, why help a nobody? If he’s an enemy, why leave a clue? The spindle is our Chekhov’s gun, so keep your eyes peeled.