Fang Shiyu, former Ming loyalist Hong Xiguan, and down-on-his-luck scholar Hu Huiqian swear brotherhood under triad boss Cai Jiuyi to protect the weak in 19th-century Guangzhou. Their justice crusade angers local boss Lei Laohu. Lei’s rebellious daughter Lei Tingting falls for Fang after he defeats her in contest, uniting Lei and corrupt magistrate against the triad. Despite warnings, Fang races to save Cai from an ambush, fracturing brotherly bonds and walking into deadly traps. Only Lei Tingting’s sacrifice spares him. Betrayed by allies and lovers, Fang learns that the martial world is far darker than youthful dreams.

A poor but brilliant rural student, Tang Xiaolin, gains admission to a prestigious university. His disabled father sells their only donkey to fund Xiaolin’s education. Upon arriving in the city, Xiaolin is scammed out of his tuition and beaten while searching for the fraudsters. Fate connects him with a wealthy businessman’s son. Meanwhile, unaware of his struggles, Xiaolin’s worried parents, despite their disabilities, set out to find him when they learn he hasn’t attended school.

A young Chinese woman takes a job as a Japanese translator.

The Nuo Sacrifice is an ancient court ritual, passed down for thousands of years to pray for the people's safety and happiness. After being revived by Liukeng ancestor Dong Dunyi, it was decreed that women chosen as the grand Nuo could never marry. In the 1920s, Dong Chunnv was influenced by progressive ideas, and challenged these traditional constraints, leading to significant changes in her life.