The Brave Archer 3

Guo Jing and Huang Rong chase Yang Kang to Iron Palm Peak, the stronghold of the Iron Palm Sect. In a fierce clash with Qiu Qianren, Huang Rong is badly wounded and Guo Jing carries her to safety. Their search for a cure leads them to a swamp-side house inhabited by a mysterious woman named Yinggu.

Yinggu tells them that only Duan Zhixing, the former ruler of Dali who has become a monk, can save Huang Rong. She warns that the path to him will require cunning and persistence. Moved by their plight, Guo Jing and Huang Rong vow to seek him.

To reach Duan Zhixing, they must pass a battle of wits with four of his bodyguards. They manage to overcome the odds and gain entry to meet Duan Zhixing. The journey brings them to the threshold of the former king's monastery.

Duan Zhixing explains that Yinggu directed them to him on purpose because Huang Rong's life depends on using a dangerous inner energy technique. He warns that employing it could cost him his life. He begins to recount a fragment of his past.

Duan reveals Yinggu's history: she was his concubine during his rule of Dali, but he neglected her due to his obsession with martial arts. She has a secret affair with Zhou Botong, and the resulting pregnancy triggers a tragedy when a masked man kills the infant to force Duan to use the dangerous skill. Yinggu hates Duan and leaves for the swamp.

Yinggu departs from Duan's life and retreats to the swamp, where she begins plotting revenge. She hides in the marsh, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Her fate remains linked to the healers' fragile hopes.

Duan decides to save Huang Rong, even if it costs him his life. He prepares to use the dangerous inner energy technique despite the risk. Huang Rong and Guo Jing steady themselves for the coming trial.

While Duan heals Huang Rong, Yinggu infiltrates his residence and nearly kills him. At the last moment she refrains, and then she slips away again. Duan accepts her decision with quiet forbearance.

Qiu Qianren and the Iron Palm Sect arrive to challenge Duan Zhixing. Yinggu recognizes Qiu's technique as the one used against her child and chooses to join the protagonists in the defense. The battle intensifies as the rivals press their advantage.

Zhou Botong appears, and Yinggu recognizes him. Zhou points out the weaknesses in Qiu Qianren's martial arts and helps expose the Iron Palm Sect's vulnerabilities. The combined effort leads to their defeat of the sect.

With the threat resolved, Yinggu runs after Zhou Botong, leaving her future uncertain. Duan's decision to save Huang Rong at his own risk remains a heavy, unresolved price. The film closes on her pursuit, hinting at further consequences.