At the start of the 20th century, China is now in a state of catastrophe. The country is broken into warring factions, the taxpayers are starving, and reforms have left things worse, maybe better. The Qing Dynasty, led by a emperor, and his ruthless mother, Empress Dowager Longyu is out of touch after 250 years of ability that is unquestioned. Huang Xing has just returned from Japan, where he's studied the art of war. When he sees his country falling apart, he believes he's got no choice except to get the blade.