Tracing Her Shadow

In a climactic duel, Yehe Changgong loses to Nalan and forfeits his title as Supreme Master of Martial Arts. The defeat closes the chapter on his legendary career and marks the end of his reign in the martial world. He chooses a quiet retirement in the sleepy Sideroad Town to spend his days playing the erhu.

Changgong withdraws from the martial world and moves to Sideroad Town to live out his days in peace. He embraces a simple life, dedicating himself to music and quiet reflection rather than combat. The quiet routine stands in stark contrast to the blood-soaked memory of his past.

Mingyue Xin catches Changgong's eye and sparks a magnetic musical duel between them. Their exchange of melodies feels like a flirtatious stand-off as they test each other's skill. They agree to meet again on the Royal Palace roof under the next full moon to finish their sonata.

Three masked thieves infiltrate the Royal Palace at night, hoping to steal a rumored treasure map. Xin confronts the intruders with stealth and skill, countering their moves as best she can. The thieves escape toward Lanruo Temple, pursued by Xin and the others.

Changgong pursues them and saves Xin from the thieves. In the scuffle, the treasure map is lost and all five combatants are badly hurt. They must limp away to recover and regroup, agreeing to resume the hunt when the time is right.

Five years later, the treasure-hunting group has abandoned fighting and hides in plain sight as villagers. Changgong and Xin run the Dragon Inn with their adopted daughter Xiaowei, while the three thieves pose as a shopkeeper, a singer, and a monk. They are all under the thumb of Lord Xu, a spoilt young landowner who harbour a soft spot for Xiaowei and struggles to gain respect while collecting rent.

Meanwhile Lord Xu tries to assert control and collect dues, but his standing among villagers remains fragile. He lets slip that he is the custodian of the treasure map, tying him to the legend and drawing suspicion from Xin and Changgong.

Mayor Gu Yuejin accidentally sends a pigeon about the treasure into the Imperial City, triggering a wider interest and drawing attention from officials and rivals alike. The news sets unpredictable forces in motion as factions eye the prize.

Loads of soldiers descend into Sideroad Town, and a second army arrives under Nalan's command. Nalan returns to renew the old feud with Changgong and Xin. The town braces for confrontation as the treasure hunt resurfaces with renewed urgency.

Xin, Xiaowei and Xu trail the treasure toward the Imperial City, while Changgong and Nalan duel again on the rooftops and streets along the way. The unlikely party converges on the supposed prize, bringing past grievances to a head.

They finally reach the treasure site and discover the prize is, disappointingly, a simple spade. Nalan discards it in contempt, but a fatal misstep causes him to stumble and fall onto the spade, killing him.

With the danger resolved, the town gathers for a communal celebration. The citizens of Sideroad Town come together to honor resilience, music, and memory. The film closes on a festive, hopeful note as everyone enjoys the party.