House of Traps

Prince Zhao conceives a plan to overthrow his uncle, the emperor. He gathers trusted conspirators and has them pledge allegiance to his cause, bringing stolen emperor items to the House of Traps as symbols of their loyalty. The House becomes a repository for their loot, guarding it from thieves while signaling the scale of the rebellion.

The emperor senses the revolt and orchestrates a security audit by sending a spy to place one of his own stolen items inside the House of Traps to test the defenses. An envoy, inspector Yan, is dispatched to investigate the growing disturbances and uncover the conspirators. The test triggers the house security protocols as guards monitor every corridor.

Yan travels toward Zhao to confront him, joined by a loyal Five Rats martial artist who protects the envoy against ambushes. Along the way, the prince's enemies set multiple assassination attempts to stop him from reaching the ruler. The pair press on despite the danger.

A Five Rats member, loyal to the emperor, foils several assassination attempts that target Yan. The skilled fighter fights through waves of attackers, ensuring Yan reaches Zhao with his mission intact. Their alliance strengthens as danger increases.

During a tense bid to obtain the list from the House of Traps, a Five Rats member is killed. His brothers, the remaining four, vow vengeance and pledge to foil Zhao's revolt at all costs. The loss sharpening their resolve to protect the emperor and finish the mission.

The four surviving Rats slip into Zhao's residence under disguises. They blend with workers, performers, and other roles to stay unseen while scouting for weaknesses. The infiltration sets the stage for a decisive strike against the conspirators.

Disguised as part of the prince's entourage, the Rats move through Zhao's interior and begin their covert operation. They map out the House of Traps layout and timing, planning to reach the top vault. Their cover remains intact as tensions rise around the birthday celebration.

Not only do the Rats infiltrate the House of Traps, but they also sabotage the trap system to enable safe navigation. The sabotage is precise, reducing the dangers while preserving the illusion of danger. The altered pathways allow the conspirators and the protagonists to maneuver with greater control.

The Rats advance deeper into the House of Traps, triggering or avoiding traps as needed, and confront the prince's remaining accomplices. They gain leverage by controlling the security flow and access to critical items. The tension peaks as the final confrontation nears.

A climactic showdown erupts between Prince Zhao and his conspirators, with the Five Rats playing critical roles in the defense of the emperor. The scene pits cunning traps against martial prowess in a battle across the vaults. The outcome centers on whether the revolt is stopped and the items are secured.