The Sword of Many Lovers

Wu Fei and his uncle Ping travel across towns selling bricks to make ends meet. Their simple journey leads them toward Ling's home, as they accept a delivery tied to a master’s grave. The duo's lighthearted dynamic sets up the film's blend of humor and danger.

They arrive at Ling's home to deliver bricks for the grave of Ling's late master. It is revealed the master once possessed a crucial medical manual used by the poisoner sect. The scene hints at looming danger over the manual.

Members of the deceased master’s poisoner's sect attempt an absurd assassination to seize the medical manual. The attack is chaotic and slapstick, but it signals the sect's ruthlessness. Ling is targeted as the ritual centerpiece of the threat.

Overwhelmed by the attack, Fei and Ping escape and travel toward Nanking. In the city they learn their friend Chung has been framed by Young Fung, the crime boss's son. The escape marks the transition from slapstick danger to a web of revenge.

Fei and Ping confront Master Fung's criminal network when Chung's frame-up comes to a head. The confrontation ends with Ping being killed, propelling Fei to vow revenge. The loss deepens Fei's resolve and shifts the story toward vengeance.

Devastated by Ping's death, Fei swears to dismantle Fung's empire and rescue those harmed by the crime family. The vow reconnects him with values of loyalty and justice. It sets the path for his future alliance with Purple Yuen.

Fei meets Purple Yuen, who aims to keep martial leaders focused on restoring Ming through a government-backed contest. She reveals a personal motive to defeat rival sects and win the title for herself. The meeting introduces a capable ally whose ambitions mirror Fei's vengeance.

Fei and Yuen travel together, forming a romantic bond while juggling comedic misadventures. Their partnership blends muscle, wit, and affection as they navigate rival factions. The relationship adds emotional stakes to the looming conflict.

The two encounter Master Fung, and Fei nearly kills him before Yuen intervenes, revealing Fung is her father. The revelation reframes Fei's quest and deepens the personal conflict. Yuen's protection foreshadows the tragic family history behind Fung's power.

It is revealed that Fung killed Yuen's mother's family, driving her mother to suicide. This revelation explains Yuen's fierce hatred and fuels her desire for revenge. The backstory intensifies the heat of the impending confrontation.

Fung poisons Yuen, causing a bizarre symptom that inflates her bottom, a reprisal that tests Fei's loyalty and resolve. Fei carries her to Ling so she can be cured, while the medical world plays a role in healing her. The incident deepens the personal stakes for all three.

Ling has fallen for Fei and insists that he end his romance with Yuen as a condition to cure her. The demand creates comedic stratagems and catfights as they race to keep Yuen alive while navigating love triangles. Ling's integrity contrasts with her jealousy.

After comedic chaos, Yuen is cured and the trio reconciles. They decide to join the upcoming martial arts contest to confront the sect leaders one last time. The team-up marks a shift from personal vendetta to a larger mission.

The three travel to the contest site where martial arts leaders compete under government sponsorship. The event assembles rival sects, all seeking power and prestige, while Fei, Yuen, and Ling prepare for the final showdown. The stakes are national as well as personal.

In the climactic duel, Fei faces Master Fung in a decisive battle. The outcome will determine the fate of the martial underworld and Ming-era politics. Fei's resolve and Yuen's courage converge for a dramatic conclusion.