A gang of robbers attack the Mei Clan’s village in an attempt to steal a treasure map believed to be in their possession. Although they were ordered by their boss (Tang Ti) merely to secure the map, the hot-headed Third Chief (Cheng Lei) commits murder and arson. In response, swordsman Mei Feng-chun (played by Korean actor Chen Liang) infiltrates the group as part of a plan to map out their mountain fortress as a way of facilitating a future attack. Complications arise in the form of the Second (Fan Mui-sang) and Third Chiefs, who are jealous of his abilities and the favor shown to him by the leader and his daughter, the spirited Pearl (Cheng Pei-pei), aptly known as "The Red Chili." In spite of this, Feng-chun’s plans continue to progress well, but he had not counted on falling in love with Pearl.

Director Yen Chun was not known for action films and the swordplay and hand-to-hand combat here is quite slow and very awkwardly staged, even for the era; some exaggerated bloodshed further adds to the theatricality of it all. That said, this remains a fairly enjoyable adventure, thanks in large part to Cheng Pei-pei’s high-spirited charm (though even she cannot quite live up to the memorable moniker of "Red Chili"!) and the intrigue involved in setting up the Mei clain’s deception. Incidentally, the treasure that everyone is fighting and killing for turns out to be a McGuffin and never does get dug up by anyone! Ku Feng (not playing one of the bandits, surprisingly enough), Lily Li Li-li (in an early, non-action role), Ou Yang Sha-fei, and Lau Kwan also appear.