After a long absence, a master swordsman of royal blood, Yeh Cool-son, returns to the emperor's palace to challenge Snow, a reclusive master, to a dual on new year's eve. In the days before the dual, strange things happen in the palace, seen mostly through the eyes of Dragon 9, a leader of the guard who alternates between serious pursuit of duty and joking. His girlfriend, Jade, is a prostitute; Princess Phoenix, the emperor's sister, has been his friend since childhood. There are murders in the palace, and evidence points to Snow, whom Dragon 9 believes is above suspicion. As the princess is attracted to Yeh and as the duel approaches, will Dragon 9 figure out what is going on?
10 October 1960, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
2 December 1967, Hong Kong
12 March 1976, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
27 September 1961, Tai Po, Hong Kong
7 January 1974, Shanghai, China
25 December 1953, Hong Kong, British Crown Colony
19 August 1946, Portuguese Macau
6 May 1955, Hong Kong
September 29, 1970 in Hong Kong
19 March 1968, Hong Kong, China
4 October 1967, Hong Kong
November 11, 1976 in Taiwan

