Late Ming Dynasty. The flooding of Yellow River endangers the lives of ordinary people.

On their way to a town, looking for a job, Cao Jing Ting and his friend Zhu San are rescued by Luo Jing. Cao admires Luo at first sight but feels inferior because of his social status.

Cao and his vulgar friends live on their wits in town, until they meet a storyteller Mr. Mo, who enlightens Cao as to how to use his eloquence.

Though he becomes a famous storyteller, Cao is rejected by Luo. In an attempt to retain his dignity, Cao plans an assassination following in the footstep of his admired ancient hero, Jing Ke.
But this only leads to a greater tragedy......

Now with his name changed and retired for ten years, Liu Jing Ting tells stories again to make a living at the time of the Manchurian invasion. Liu and the refugees form a voluntary army, headed by Zuo Liang Yu with whom Liu has developed a brotherhood relationship. However, the killings on the battle field soon become intolerable to Liu.....