The Fantastical Waterclocks of Cao Jinsong

The laws of physics change overnight. Gas ceases to ignite; electricity no longer flows. Millions die instantly when planes plummet from the sky. Millions more perish in the blackouts and riots that follow. Civilization reverts to a pre-industrial state. People become dependent on the molten metals that fall from the sky. Called exometals, they are woven into fabric and channeled into tools and can be activated with pure thought. The name qi is borrowed to apply to this energy.In Lung Wei Village, Master Li orders his kung fu students to create qi-powered weapons. Many do quite well, but Cao Jinsong, a free spirit, creates a waterclock that fights, and it doesn't use qi. Not impressed, Master Li challenges the class to destroy it. They do so, with difficulty. Tadpole, Li's very own daughter, performs the coupe de grace. Having a crush on her, Cao leaves in disgrace.Cao Jinsong grows up a hermit in the mountains. One day a Magistrate visits. By imperial decree he has been tasked with destroying a demon living at the edge of the kingdom. But the region is without qi. Hearing of Cao's infamous waterclock that fought without qi, he seeks him out, hoping he has another such waterclock. Adding to the drama, the demon has kidnapped Master Li's very own daughter, Tadpole.