Yang Lu Chan, born with a fleshy growth on his forehead and known as "The Freak", seeks to master the powerful Chen-style kung fu to cure his ailments and become a hero. He travels to the Chen Village where outsiders are forbidden to learn their martial arts. Despite initial resistance, he gains acceptance through his determination and resonates with Master Chen's daughter, Yu Niang, eventually marrying her. Meanwhile, an external threat looms as a former villager turned villain aligns with East India Company officials, planning to destroy the village using advanced steampunk technology and political alliances.

As tensions rise, Lu Chan has to navigate complex relationships within the village and prove his worth. He struggles to grasp the deeper essence of Chen-style kung fu, further complicated by internal rivalries and misunderstandings. The village discussions escalate around how to defend themselves while preserving their heritage against the modern menace. A series of challenging confrontations test Lu Chan's skills and the unity of the villagers. The narrative builds towards an impending showdown as ancient martial arts clash with new-age mechanization, intertwining personal growth with the fight for cultural survival.