paopei, there are spells, an ancient form a magic rarely used by the time series takes place. The only ones seen in the series are the peaches that can turn water into sake, Yang Jian's transformation technique, and Randeng's various fighting and healing abilities. Plot The story is set in legendary China. A beautiful female fox spirit named is controlling the emperor and the ruling dynasty, and is using her power over him to do evil in the nation. An immortal-in-training named is chosen by the great immortal sages for the —to seal away or destroy the evil demons that infest the world. In the course of his adventures, Taigong Wang gathers other powerful companions and sets out to seal away the demons and eventually destroy the fox spirit Daji. There are significant plot differences between the novel, the manga series and the animated adaptations. Manga plot The 23-volume-long series follows the adventures of Taigong Wang and his trusty . Taigong Wang was given a mission by (Taikobou's mentor and the leader of the Sennin (仙人) World—Kunlun (崑崙)) to complete the Hoshin Project. The goal of the Hoshin Project, as explained by Yuanshi Tianzun, is to trap Daji and her minions in a 'middle' world between the Sennin World and the Human world, renamed (Deity or Gods) World, named 'Shinkai', Realm of the Gods. Taigong Wang's mission is to hunt down the 365 people whose names were written on the Hoshin Scroll. As Taigong Wang defeats and seals off each of the 365 people on the scroll, their souls are instantly transported to the Hoshindai (a floating island made to trap souls) and sealed there until all the 365 souls are gathered. At first, Taigong Wang refused to take up such a troublesome mission, but when threatened with expulsion from Kunlun, he quickly relented. After that, he was given a , (in Chinese literally "Gods-Hitting Whip"), as his weapon along with Sibuxiang. Upon leaving Kunlun, Taigong Wang and Sibuxiang immediately met up with the first person listed on the Hoshin Scroll, the all-powerful and his Riding Beast—Kokutenko (黒点虎). After a short battle between the two , in which Taigong Wang was easily defeated, Taigong Wang suspected that the order of the Hoshin Scroll is sorted according to strength (Shen Gongbao being the first on the list) and decides to avoid fighting him. Aiming for the core of the whole problem,