Louis Cha (Jin Yong)'s first wuxia novel has got an update in this 2008 adaptation by Hunan TV. The action-packed costume drama series is headlined by Hong Kong stars Adam Cheng, Niki Chow, and Deep Ng, with the support of Mainland actor Qiao Zhenyu (The Spirit of the Sword) and Taiwan actor Liu De Kai (The Legend and the Hero). The legendary Adam Cheng got his major break as an actor in the 1976 TVB version of The Book and the Sword playing three lead roles (Chan Ka Lok, Emperor Qianlong, and Fu Kang An). This time, he reprises his role as Qianlong. Qiao Zhenyu replaces him in the pivotal role of Chan Ka Lok, who leads his Red Flower Society heroes in the rebellion against the Qing Empire. Chan and Qianlong both fall in love with a tribal princess, and more complications arise with the shocking revelation of the rivals' true identities