Set in the early 20th century amidst the chaos of China's Warlord Era, the story follows Lieutenant Li, a straightforward and courageous officer of the Chinese army, and Lai Xi, a skilled swordsman and a captain in the Japanese army. Despite being on the brink of retirement and longing to return to Japan, Lai Xi is given a final mission: to capture and execute a group of Chinese fugitives who have crossed into Japanese-occupied territory in northeastern China. Among these fugitives is the honorable Lieutenant Li, who finds himself leading a band of refugees while also trying to evade the grasp of warlords and foreign forces.

As Lt. Li and his companions seek sanctuary across the harsh terrain, their paths inevitably cross with that of Lai Xi. Despite the enmity between their nations and their personal duty to their missions, a mutual respect forms between the two warriors. This unlikely respect is tested as they face external pressures from the encroaching armies, the betrayal of supposed allies, and the harsh realities of their war-torn environment. The journey challenges their beliefs about loyalty, honor, and the true meaning of being a hero in a world devoid of peace.