Ruby Lin

The early years of legendary Tai Chi Master Zhang Jun Bao are vividly realized in this stirring 40-episode epic series. On the advice of a fortuneteller, the superstitious Zhang family sent their newborn son Bao to a Buddhist monastery. Bao subsequently became a superb martial artist by the time he turned 18. Troubled by the treacherous rebellion from the prime minister, Bao joined his fellow fighter Tian to rescue the righteous General Yue Fei from a deadly coup. Thus begins a series of daring adventures and martial arts challenges that will eventually lead to the founding of the famous Wu Tang School.

The story is centred around an uneducated street urchin Wei Xiao Bao, who was born and raised in a brothel by his mother. Through a series of misadventures, he managed to make his way from the southern playground of Yangzhou to Beijing, the seat of Manchurian imperial power and bumbling accidentally into a fateful encounter with young Kang Xi Emperor. By hook or by crook, but also through a genuine concern and fierce loyalty towards Kangxi, Wei Xiao Bao found himself in the greatest of confidences and a complicated friendship of one of the most eminent monarchs of Chinese history. The plot follows Wei on a rags-to-riches journey as he becomes embroiled in political and court intrigues, overcoming enemies for Kang Xi and accomplishing amazing achievements. Along the way, Wei meets with and successfully woos seven beautiful women, climbs his way up the social ladder from brothel boy to great lord and nobleman, acquiring titles such as Imperial Emissary and Plenipotentiary, Ambassador, general and admiral - courtesy of Kang Xi - as well as finding himself in positions completely at odds with the above: Green-Wood Lodge Master of the Heaven and Earth Society, and White Dragon Marshal of the Mystic Dragon Cult. In the end, however, Wei Xiao Bao could not reconcile his two separate lives - as an anti-Qing rebel and Kang Xi's devoted courtier. He chose to offer up his own life- in return for Kang Xi's munificence towards him and also as an honourable way out of the Heaven and Earth Society. Pained and aggrieved beyond words, Kang Xi orders the execution of his one and only true friend. Afterwards, plagued by loss and guilt, Kang Xi took a long walk along the Great Wall, asking heaven for guidance - only to be happily surprised by the appearance of Wei Xiao Bao, who didn't die after all. After saving his mate's life once again, Wei bades goodbye to Kang Xi, reaffirming their friendship which will, from that point onwards, remain only in the minds and memories of the two men.

Chu Liu Xiang is the famous "Chief of Bandits" in the jianghu. His qinggong is unmatched, and he leaves behind a trail of fragrance everywhere he goes. Once, Chu enters the palace to steal a treasure called the "Amber Guanyin", which contains a wooden figurine carved by "Little Li Flying Dagger" Li Xun Huan. In the palace, Chu meets Sikong Xing Er, the daughter of master thief Sikong Zhai Xing, and her sworn sister, Su Rong Rong. While escaping from the guards' pursuit, Li Xun Huan dies trying to save Su Rong Rong. Chu Liu Xiang and Su Rong Rong later team up to investigate the theft of the "Heaven and Earth Holy Water", and they develop romantic feelings for each other after going through thick and thin together. They travel to the South later in search of an antidote and to find the truth about their family backgrounds. Chu discovers that he is actually a prince of a southern kingdom and should rightfully become king. This sparks off a struggle in the royal family for succession to the throne. During that period of time, Chu Liu Xiang starts another romantic relationship with Sikong Xing Er. Faced with two different love interests, Chu Liu Xiang has trouble choosing between Sikong Xing Er and Su Rong Rong as his true love. On the other hand, he has to make a decision on whether to claim the throne or continue with his roaming life in the jianghu. ~~ Two versions: 40 episodes (TV) | 35 episodes (Hong Kong).