Twenty years ago, Highcourt's nine great houses owed a blade debt to the Blade Lender. Twenty years later, when the Blade Lender came to collect, he was betrayed—not only did the houses refuse to pay, but they also tried every means to stop him. The Blade Lender fought against all challengers, collected the blade debts, and defeated the Ashford family with overwhelming force. In the end, he successfully ascended to the position of Master of the mystic world.