Young cobbler Wu Di, who lives with his mother, is passionate about martial-arts storybooks. One day, he fixes the shoe of a wandering swordswoman named Yuelou and later assists her during a confrontation with the notorious criminal Tian Baguang, despite lacking any martial-arts skills himself. Grateful, Yuelou tells him that she owes him her life and can be found on Qin Mountain if he ever needs her help. Unbeknownst to Wu Di, Yuelou is actually a princess who was supposed to marry the emperor but fled after setting her palace quarters ablaze. Smitten, Wu Di embarks on a journey to find her, battling river pirate Dugu and his accomplice along the way, and encountering a reclusive Buddhist monk who offers to mentor him. Meanwhile, Yuelou intends to participate in a martial arts tournament to make a name for herself, unaware that the emperor’s chief eunuch, Cheng, has secretly arranged for her protection by Penal Bureau officer Yang Guo and plans for her to win the tournament. This is part of a scheme to have the emperor present her with the prize and convince her to reconsider the marriage proposal.