During the reign of Emperor Huizong of the Song, the Pang family of Gusu is confiscated over an ancient painting. Young Pang Qingyan carries the burden of vengeance north to Bianliang, enters the Imperial Painting Academy, draws close to the emperor, and wields his brush like a blade. But when the flames of the Jingkang disaster rise, painting cannot save the people. He sets down his brush and takes up a sword to defend the city. The paintings burn, the city falls, but his unbending spirit remains.
