The tale commences during the Later Zhou dynasty between 900-960 AD, where Chi Wu finds himself locked up in jail. Initially defeated by the emperor, his intention is to secure a clue to the location of the Qi Lin Treasure which is the world's most valuable lost fortune. News of his detainment swiftly travels to a former imperial court officer and senior, Tie Zong Heng (commonly known as Lawless). He resolves to re-enlist in the imperial services solely with the purpose of hunting down Chi Wu.