In the early Qing Dynasty, elite Jin guards infiltrate General Li’s palace and reclaim the legendary Chicken Cup. Three hundred years later, Jin guard descendant He Fan sacrifices his life to protect the artifact from treasure hunter David Wong during a battle at a temple.

In 19th-century China, during the corrupt Qing Dynasty, the people are suffering at the hands of greedy landlords, crooked officials, and unwelcome invaders. To bring his people together, Chen Xiang opens a martial arts school combining teaching techniques from both the North and the South. When Chen refuses to join the armies of the Qing Prince, the prince seeks revenge on Chen's school and family. To survive, Chen must rise up and fight to free his students and protect his home.