An impoverished young monk, who has spent his entire life in a monastery located on top of a mountain, is forced to encounter the real world when he travels down the mountain for the first time. He encounters "Jianghu" (the world of various sects of martial arts), along with a series of bizarre events and extraordinary, larger-than-life characters. These occurrences bring him closer to understanding the meaning of life and the true essence of martial arts. He discovers that "Ruthlessness defines a champion, principle creates a hero," finally understanding the lesson his master was trying to impart.