The Tang emperor is betrayed by one of his generals, who installs himself as emperor in the East Capital. The son of one of his slave workers escapes to the Shaolin Temple, learns kung fu, and sets out to kill the traitor who killed his father.

For over a thousand years ago China was ruled by a cruel government lead by the corrupt governor Kao Chu. His only resistance was a group of 108 brave and noble warriors who kept fighting for justice. To get rid of the strongest heroes, and be able to beat the rest, Kao Chu organizes a kung fu tournament.