A young apprentice of Master Li, a martial artist from the town of Two Rivers, sees their training disrupted when a group of ghosts attacks the town. The apprentice discovers they are the last of the Spirit Monks, whose order was destroyed by the Jade Empire. After Master Li is abducted, the apprentice sets out with companions toward the Imperial Capital to rescue him and uncover the secrets of the past.

Jade Empire is a BioWare role-playing game set in a fantasy world inspired by imperial China, blending martial arts, supernatural elements, and moral choices. Combat is action-oriented, player decisions shape the story, and the protagonist may follow either the Way of the Open Palm or the Way of the Closed Fist, while also forming relationships with companions.