There are three Empires in Shao's world. Two of these Empires are found on the Golden Tiger continent, and one is found on the Silver Hawk continent. An Empire is any state that is led by an Immortal, and the vast majority of the world's population lives within one of these three Empires. Very little is known about the Immortals that lead these Empires, but it is known that they are beings of such immense power that no one has posed a serious challenge to their rule for several thousand years.

  The southern half of the Golden Tiger continent is governed by the Silver Flame Empire, and the leader of this Empire is called the Dragon Immortal. Most cultivators in this Empire follow the Path of the Argent Dragon.

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  The northern half of the Golden Tiger continent is governed by the Jade Tower Empire, and the leader of this Empire is called the Tiger Immortal. Cultivators living in the land controlled by this Empire typically follow the Path of the Striking Tiger.

  The Silver Hawk continent is governed by the Hermetic Empire, and the leader of this Empire is called the Snake Immortal in the Sino-Altaic language. The Franconians simply call their leader "Hermes Trismegistus." Most believe that this is simply a title, since Hermes Trismegistus has led the Hermetic Empire since before the invention of written language, but some believe that a single Immortal has led the Empire for all that time.