The Mystery of Chess Boxing

Ah Pao dreams of learning kung fu so he can avenge his father's death at the hands of the Ghost Faced Killer. The killer hunts down clan leaders who conspired against him, setting the stage for a personal quest for power. Ah Pao's motivation is clear from the start, tying his future training to retribution.

Before attacking, the Ghost Faced Killer throws down his decorated metal plate with a red face, signaling the start of his assault. He fights with a distinctive five elements style, demonstrating a formal, ritualized approach to combat. This ritual marks him as the formidable villain Ah Pao must confront.

Ah Pao attends a local kung fu school, hoping to train and prove himself. He quickly becomes a target for bullying by the senior students who dominate the class. The tense atmosphere sets up a harsh trial for the young fighter.

The school's cook intervenes by challenging Ah Pao to steal one grain of rice from the cook's bowl. Ah Pao succeeds only by cheating and waiting for the master to finish his meal, exposing the rough edges of his discipline. The cook then offers to teach him some moves, but warns that Ah Pao may never be truly good enough.

The teacher expels Ah Pao after he is found in possession of the Ghost Faced Killer's symbol. In the aftermath, the school is forced to shut down in fear of more bloodshed among the students. Shortly after, the Teacher is killed by the Ghost Faced Killer, intensifying Ah Pao's vow for revenge.

Seeking a way to improve, Ah Pao turns to an old xiangqi chess master, Chi Sue Tin, whose recommendation comes from the cook. The master is revealed to be an old enemy of the Ghost Faced Killer and has his own tragic history tied to the city’s martial power. He agrees to take Ah Pao under his wing and share a fusion of chess and kung fu.

Chi Sue Tin explains his former identity as a kung fu chief who once held sway over the area. He was badly injured and driven into hiding, accumulating scrutiny from the Ghost Faced Killer. This revelation confirms that he is a legitimate ally with a personal vendetta.

Chi Sue Tin agrees to train Ah Pao in chess boxing kung fu, revealing how strategy and movement intertwine. He teaches the boy to read the opponent’s intentions through chess-inspired tactics. This unusual martial art becomes the key to later victory.

Ah Pao learns the strategic link between chess and kung fu, translating board-game tactics into fighting moves. The new approach allows him to anticipate the Ghost Faced Killer’s patterns. The training intensifies as he grows more confident.

Together, Ah Pao and Chi Sue Tin train and plan a counterattack against the Ghost Faced Killer. The montage focuses on blending chess strategies with flowing martial arts, building their teamwork. The duo solidifies their unlikely alliance against a dangerous foe.

Ah Pao and Chi Sue Tin confront the Ghost Faced Killer in a climactic duel. The combined chess-boxing technique gives them an edge as they predict and counter the killer's five-element style. The showdown culminates in the Ghost Faced Killer's defeat and Ah Pao's vow to honor his father's memory.