It featured archetypical motifs that would become common in the wuxia films which began to appear and gain popularity more than three decades later.

The character Fang Yuqing, accompanied by her "martial brother" Yue Jianqui travels the Jiang Hu providing what assistance they can offer to those in need.

The two make peace and the party continues onwards, eventually stopping to rest for the night at the titular temple.

However, what initially appeared to be Buddhist monks are actually disguised villains in the service of one of Fang's enemies, who attempt to ambush the heroes while they sleep by sneaking in via a hidden corridor.

This is when the film's climactic fight scene takes place, in which Fang battles the temple's "monks" using double swords.