Rooted in Chinese folkloric tradition, it features the exploits of twelve heroic contenders for the celestial assignment of "Keepers of the Earthly Realm", winning them a place in the Chinese Zodiac.

When the Celestial Emperor is overwhelmed by the multitude of issues affecting the earthly plane, the Celestial Empress suggests forging twelve mighty heroes to help ease the daily burden of management. Thus, the Kitchen God-the "hearth-and-home" deity familiar with the workings of earthly life--is appointed to select the twelve heroes with help from Celestial Watchmen Aquila and Sonar. Once the royal edict is posted, animals from all across China begin the trek to the legendary Mount Tai to compete in "The Keeper Tournament". Among them are the rat; ox; tiger; rabbit; dragon; snake; horse; ram; monkey; rooster; dog; and the boar. Fired by the quest to be the best, these twelve contenders pursue their dreams all the way to the final showdown on Mount Tai, having vanquished myriad personal shortcomings along the trail. Their efforts are rewarded as they defeat all comers in the tournament, not only through the use of their individual skills, but with the strength of their moral substance as well. In the end, the twelve garner hard-won admiration and respect as they assume the hallowed mantel of "keepers of the earthly realm".—anonymous