Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow

Chien Fu, an orphan adopted by a kung fu school, is overworked as the janitor and used as a walking punching-bag by the teachers. He endures brutal daily abuse while maintaining a quiet resolve. Ah-Wu, the school's cook, becomes his only sympathetic ally in the cruel environment.

Chien shares a meal and a place to sleep with an old beggar. Unbeknownst to him, this man is Pai Cheng-tien, a master of Snake-style kung fu on the run from the Eagle Claw clan. The encounter plants the seed of a dangerous secret that will pull Chien into a hidden world of rival factions.

Pai is ambushed by Su Chen and a disguised missionary, leaving him badly injured. The attack shows the ruthless reach of Eagle Claw and their willingness to kill. Chien later finds the wounded Pai and begins to nurse him back to health.

Pai agrees to give Chien more lessons, but only if Chien stops calling him master, citing their friendship and the danger of being tracked. The true reason is to keep Pai's connection with Chien secret from their pursuers. Training resumes in secret, and Chien gains access to Pai's Snake-style knowledge.

Under Pai's guidance, Chien practices relentlessly and learns to dodge the blows from the school's bumbling teachers. Each drill reduces the injuries he used to suffer while keeping his guard up in daily life. The groundwork strengthens his ability to respond to threats without being overwhelmed.

The kung fu school is invaded by the Mantis school, and Chien defeats their master using the Snake-style, stunning the crowd. The victory proves Snake-style's effectiveness and raises the stakes for Chien's secret training. A passing wanderer witnesses the duel and recognizes the unique art at work.

Sheng Kuan, the Eagle Clan's high master, recognizes the Snake-style in Chien's fighting and begins tailing him. His pursuit signals that Eagle Claw has identified a serious threat to their plans. The presence of Sheng Kuan foreshadows the looming confrontation.

Chien meets Shang Kuan, who claims to be a colleague of Pai and tests Chien with ease, fending off Chien's attacks. Chien realizes his own Snake-style is no match for this seasoned master. The encounter underscores the danger of the Eagle Clan and the need to choose his loyalties carefully.

Watching his pet cat kill a cobra, Chien is inspired to create a new fighting style, the Cat Claw. He imagines combining Snake-style instincts with feline speed and precision. This moment marks a turning point in his training and his fight against stronger opponents.

The Eagle Clan conspirators track down Pai, and he defeats and kills Su Chen. Meanwhile, Ah-Wu is revealed as an Eagle Claw conspirator as he poisons their tea, betraying the conspirators from within. The double betrayal raises the stakes for Chien and Pai.

Pai senses danger and flees with his pursuers in hot pursuit. Chien rushes to fetch Sheng Kuan for aid, hoping to turn the tide. The pursuit accelerates as Pai's safety hangs in the balance.

Chien defeats the disguised missionary and uncovers the truth behind the conspiracy. He challenges Sheng Kuan to single combat, introducing his Cat Claw technique, which Sheng Kuan cannot counter. The duel ends with Chien's hard-won victory and the defeat of the Eagle master.

Ah-Wu's true allegiance is revealed; Chien and Pai fatally wound him and reveal they avoided ingesting the poison. They decide to leave the school behind and continue refining the Cat Claw, giving the technique its name. The two friends step forward to a future built on their secret bond and newfound art.