The young swordsman Hai Ge arrives in the remote desert town of "Two Flags" in search of his future wife. His chosen bride, Hao Mei, is less than enthusiastic about the marriage plans. Like her guardian—a friend and comrade-in-arms of Hai Ge's father—she considers him a good-for-nothing. Soon after, a fateful confrontation ensues. Hai Ge saves Hao Mei from being raped, but in doing so, he kills the brother of the feared Ji Dhao Zhen. Ji Dhao Zhen swears bloody revenge.