The Legend of the Book and Sword

During the reign of Ching Emperor Yung Ching; a high-ranking official Chan Sai Kwun celebrates the birth of his younger son Ka-lok.. As the feast is over, the whole family is sent with a bottle .of poisoned `wine from the Emperor. Yu Man Ting comes in time to rescue Chan's wife Tsui Chiu-san and their baby. He promises to bring up baby Ka- lok to avenge for his father. Yu arranges Ka-lok to learn martial arts from Yuen Shi Siu, while he establishes the Red Flower Clan for reviving, Han people's rule. The empress learns that Chiu-san is still alive and orders to have her killed. Yu comes in time to save her. Emperor Yung Ching is succeeded by Kin Lung. To conquer the minority races along the border, Kin Lung orders Siu Wai to negotiate terms for them to surrender their sovereignty to Ching. The Hui race refuses strictly. To force them to agree, Siu Wai steals their holy book, Koran……

Yu and Man sneak into the Palace with a secret for the Emperor Kin Lung. Yu tells him that he is actually the son of Chan Sai Kwun, a high-ranking official: After his birth, he is sneaked into the palace to be given to the heirless emperor. Yu persuades Kin Lung to turn against the Ching's oppressive rule and revive Han's rule. The two escape, leaving Kin Lung in great doubts about his own identity. Kin Lung seeks the truth from his wet nurse. On learning what Yu has said is true, Kin Lung has her killed. At the same time, he orders Yu and Man to be arrested: Ching-tung and Ah-yi follow ka-lok, waiting for chances to retrieve the holy book. Sam-hin plays tricks on the two, which deepens their misunderstanding. Chan finally succeeds in convincing them that he is not involved in the robbery. He further promises them that he would help them retrieve the holy` book. Yu is fatally wounded by the Ching soldiers……

The fourth leader Man Tai-loi is under fierce pursuits by the Ching soldiers. Lok Ping, his wife as well as a chief figure in the Clan, is upset that Tai-loi would not tell her the reason behind the pursuit. Ching general Lee Ho-San has a daughter called Yuen-Chi. She is righteous, lively and enjoys impersonating herself as ,a man. She is too happy when a martial art master Fai Ching finally agrees to let . her be his disciple. Ching-tong learns that the Koran is grabbed by the Ching Imperial Court. She is determined more than ever to get it back. Ka-lok accompanies her all the way. ,

Ka-lok learns with grief, of his master; Man-tung's death. Lee Ho-san is promoted. His whole family moves to Hanchow to take up his new appointment. Yuen-chi plays around, accompanied by her master Fai- ching. Tai-loi couple is attacked by Ching's agents. The Clan's fourteenth leader Yu Yu-tung comes to their rescue. Yu-tung is secretly in love with Lok-ping. He painfully restrains himself from letting them learn of his real feelings. The Empress Dowager notices the Emperor has assigned to Cheung Chiu- chung, the Empirical court's agent and military commander, an important task. She tries in vain to obtain the what about from Cheung.

Members of the Clan mourn over the death of their leader. Ka-lok succeeds him to become their chief. Ching-tung's plan to retrieve the Koran is disrupted by the rash and playful Yuen-chi, impersonated as a man. The two has a duel, in which Yuen-chi acts like a rogue. Thinking herself insulted, Ching-tung seeks death to assert her Chastity.. Master Fai-ching comes in time to explain everything. The two reconcile and become, good friends. Man's couple is injured under the fierce pursuit of Cheung Chiu-chung. Fai-ching suggests they seeks refuge from. master Chou Ching-yung reputed for his righteousness and fearlessness.

Chow is out when Man's couple and Yu arrives at his house. His disciple treats them with great hospitality. Cheung learns that Man is hiding there and makes his trip of arrest. On learning Cheung's arrival, the three are hidden in a secret Chamber. Cheung provokes Chow's little son into revealing the hiding place. Man is thus arrested. Upon his return, Chou learns of the incident. In reprimanding his son; . he accidentally causes his death. In deep agony, the mother leaves the house.