Centuries ago (scholars record the year as AD 170), there lived three brothers in China; Zhang Jiao, Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang. The empire at that time was corrupt, with court attendants running the government and keeping the emperor as merely a figurehead. Zhang Jiao was a healer to the people, treating illness and injury with traditional herbal remedies. One day while gathering herbs in the forest, Zhang Jiao received a vision from the Yellow Emperor, the great Chinese deity of medicine. Following his vision, he began a trek far to the west to Mount Hua.
Zhang Jiao traveled through many obstacles and met many curious characters. Upon his journey he acquired three disciples: A water spirit who reformed his demonic ways, a shape-changing pig and a powerful monkey god. Monkey in particular had many adventures and caused much trouble for the Heavenly bureaucracy. In recognition for his cleverness, the goddess Idunn gave Monkey some apples of immortality, which he shared with his companions. Eventually the companions reached Mount Hua and were given the Essential Arts of the Millennium by the Taoist sage Zhuang Zi.
Zhang Jiao applied himself to the text day and night. By acquiring such arts as invoking the wind and summoning the rain, he became known as the Master of the Millennium. During 189 AD, a pestilence swept through China. Zhang Jiao and his brothers, forming a sect known as the Yellow Turbans, distributed magical charms and healing potions to the oppressed peasants. Jiao was known as the General of Heaven, while his brother Bao was General of Earth, and Liang General of Mankind.
Soon after, Zhang Jiao received a vision of chaos gripping China. "The empire, long united, must divide," he recited. "My time on this world is over, but someday I may return." So saying, Jiao ascended to Heaven, leaving his Yellow Turbans to disperse among the peasants. Bao and Liang went their separate ways, each wishing to seek enlightenment on his own terms.
After centuries of wandering, Zhang Bao, the Master of Earth, came to a realization. The goddess Idunn had bestowed her immortality on those who were worthy; thus it was possible that she might do so again. If all mankind were eventually made worthy, the world would enter a new age of peace, enlightenment and unceasing life. His arcane researches led him to found a community of like-minded individuals in Connecticut.