Miaka Yuuki and Yui Hongo made an unexpected discovery during their visit to the National Library when they stumbled upon an old book that emitted red smoke and drew them into an unfamiliar world. The hostile environment they found themselves in was fraught with slave traders, but fortunately, Tamahome, a strong youth with a Chinese symbol on his forehead, came to their rescue. At the same moment, however, the red smoke returned and snatched Yui away. Miaka was distressed over Yui's disappearance and asked Tamahome for help in finding her. But things get complicated when Miaka and Tamahome meet Hotohori, the emperor of the land, who believed that Miaka was the predicted priestess of Suzaku, the kingdom's protector. The goddess would grant every wish of the priestess, but Hotohori needed Miaka to gather Suzaku's seven Celestial Warriors first. Hotohori convinced Miaka to take up the role, telling her it would solve her problems and save his kingdom. Meanwhile, Yui had returned alone to the library and could only watch helplessly as her friend underwent challenging trials as the book's mysterious heroine.