A thunderous boom rocks Longhu Mountain, and Grand Commandant Hong mistakenly unleashes the 108 demonic stars, setting the Great Song on a path to upheaval.
Song Jiang, the “Timely Rain” of Yuncheng, was once a minor clerk devoted to helping the people and bringing peace. But after secretly letting Chao Gai escape and killing Yan Poxi in a fit of rage, he is forced to flee. Lin Chong, instructor to the 800,000 imperial guards, is framed again and again by Gao Qiu and his son. At the Snowy Mountain Temple, he finally slays his enemies in a fit of fury, then flees to Liangshan through the snow. Wu Song becomes a hero after drunkenly killing a tiger on Jingyang Ridge, but then tragedy strikes his family. He spills blood at Lion Tower and wreaks havoc at Feiyunpu, until he is driven to the end of his rope. There is also Lu Zhishen, the tattooed monk who uproots a willow tree; Wu Yong, the resourceful mastermind behind the theft of the birthday gifts; and Dai Zong, the Divine Traveler who covers 800 li in a day...
One by one, heroes with nowhere left to turn under the corrupt court gather at Liangshan Marsh. Here, they drink bowl after bowl of wine and feast on great slabs of meat, wage exhilarating battles such as the three assaults on Zhu Family Village and the rout of the linked armored cavalry, and share the loyalty of brothers who would face death together. The banner of “Uphold Justice on Heaven’s Behalf” flies high above their stronghold.
But at last, an imperial amnesty arrives. Seeking a legitimate path forward, the heroes embark on a bloody campaign to fight the Liao and suppress Fang La. Amid flashing blades, their blood stains their robes of war. The 108 heroes gradually scatter: some die on the battlefield, some see through the mortal world, and some fall victim to treacherous ministers.
This is an epic tale of brotherhood and high adventure, as well as a tragic elegy for heroes whose path has reached its end. It lays bare the feuds and passions, the loyalty to family and country, and the cruel unpredictability of fate in a troubled age. It will leave your blood racing, then make you heave a wistful sigh!
