Synopsis: The Ching Dynasty bans all kung fu teachings and outlaws students of the Shaolin Temple who are loyal to the Mings, underlining the Ching stranglehold on the country. Phillip Kao Yang (Ti Lung), a Shaolin turncoat now working for the Chings, is ordered to destroy the Temple and wipe out its disciples. Following the attack, Kao spares the lives of selected students, hoping that sever torture will persuade them to join the Ching army. Yet the torture devices seem to strengthen the Shaolin prisoners; and when one prisoner does agree to join the Chings, Kao kills him. Does Phillip Kao Yang have an agenda of his own?