Hong Xiguan (Jet Li) mastered kung fu at a Shaolin temple while still a boy and then later joined rebel forces to oust oppressive rulers. When his cover is blown, the opposing forces kill all but one member of Xiguan's family, his son. Having wandered China fending off evil and protecting the weak, Hong and son now join forces with a young woman (Chingmy Yau) to protect the Shaolin temple from invaders. Many fast-motion, high-octane brawls ensue!