The project tells the story of the young prodigy painter Xi Meng of the Song Dynasty and his journey of growth as he eventually collaborates with Emperor Huizong to create the legendary masterpiece A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains. Within the imperial painting academy, Xi Meng fights side by side with the guard Aji through life-and-death trials; in a hidden chamber, he humbly studies under an unseen mentor he has never met; and in the imperial court, he boldly questions Emperor Huizong’s mistakes in governing the realm. As these three figures—mentor, friend, and adversary—gradually converge into one identity, Xi Meng struggles through conflict and inner turmoil before reaching reconciliation. In the end, he merges himself with the painting, laying down a single stroke of brilliant blue-green that reverberates through the world.
