Trained in clandestine combat from childhood, the Jinyiwei are an elite force of secret agents who devote their lives to the service of the Emperor. Unbeknownst to the Jinyiwei's leader Quinglong (Donnie Yen) the Imperial Court has fallen under the control of the corrupt Jia and whilst on mission he is betrayed. Now the most wanted man in the land must find a way to restore the Emperor to power, but in his way are his former comrades - the deadliest assassins in the land.