Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow

The movie opens with a voiceover explaining the peak of the snake style of kung fu and introduces Hsia Sa, a vicious fighter known for his mastery of the style. Hsia Sa has an ambition to dominate the fighting world and has killed numerous experts in his path. His reputation sets the tone for the upcoming confrontations and his reputation as a formidable and ruthless fighter.

While walking through a jungle, Hsia Sa encounters Koo Ting-sang, a monkey style expert, who confronts him after jumping from tree to tree. The confrontation leads to a heated challenge where Hsia Sa declares that Koo Ting-sang will die in their upcoming fight. Their meeting marks the beginning of their rivalry, highlighting the contrast between snake and monkey styles.

Koo Ting-sang engages Hsia Sa in a lengthy and intense fight, ultimately defeating and badly injuring him. Despite having the chance to kill Hsia Sa, Koo spares his life, emphasizing his mercy. Hsia Sa vows that he will regret not being killed, but Koo dismisses his threat, demonstrating his confidence and philosophy.

The story shifts focus to Lung, a poor young fishmonger who dreams of learning kung fu. His life takes a turn when he is humiliated and assaulted by two of the wealthy Yan family's sons after delivering fish to their estate. This event motivates Lung to seek training in kung fu to defend himself.

Lung approaches Teacher Ho, a kung fu master specializing in Drunken-style, hoping to join his school. The teacher dismisses him, tricking Lung into getting drunk and causing him to pass out in the countryside. This encounter introduces Lung to Koo Ting-sang, who saves him from a deadly cobra, sparking Lung's interest in kung fu.

Lung somehow impresses Teacher Ho and manages to become a student, initially as a 'cleaner-up'. His courage during a confrontation with other students earns him a proper spot in the school. This marks his formal entry into kung fu training and sets him on his path to become a fighter.

Lung impresses Teacher Ho by using Drunken-style kung fu to take revenge on the Yan brothers who had humiliated him earlier. His display of skill sparks attention and causes the Yan family to complain, leading to a fight where Lung and his allies beat the Yan family, humiliating them further. This act of defiance establishes Lung's resolve to stand up for himself.

Following their humiliation, the Yan family contacts two Snake-style experts, Hsia Sa and his partner, to assassinate Teacher Ho. Lung arrives at the scene to find Ho under attack. Despite fighting to protect him, Lung's efforts are unsuccessful, and Teacher Ho is killed by the snake stylists. This tragic event pushes Lung to seek revenge.

Koo Ting-sang, recognizing that the Snake-style experts are after him, prepares for their revenge. Despite defeating one of them earlier, Koo is overwhelmed when both Hsia Sa and his partner attack him. The scene underscores the danger posed by the snake stylists and the growing threat to Lung and his allies.

Determined to avenge Teacher Ho and Koo Ting-sang, Lung constructs an elaborate training ground with pots and a wooden dummy to improve his kung fu skills. During his training, he witnesses a monkey killing a snake, which inspires him to blend Monkey-style techniques with his own Drunken-style to prepare for the upcoming confrontation.

Lung faces the two snake-style fighters in a final battle on an open grassy terrain. Using inspired techniques, including biting the hand of his opponent to mimic a monkey killing a snake, Lung engages in a prolonged and arduous fight. Ultimately, he defeats and kills both of the snake stylists, avenging Teacher Ho and Koo Ting-sang.