Liang is orphaned twice before he's nine years old. His existence is based on begging, then later-when he's less childlike-on his ability to adapt to the lands he roams. He triumphs, thriving off the fish he taught himself to catch, and avoiding dangers more egregious than wild beast. The Japanese occupation promises slave labor, so he flees to the mountains, where he meets an aboriginal tribe, who takes him in. There he meets his wife, and they live happily until tragedy strikes. His world is turned upside down when his wife is raped and murdered by a Japanese soldier. Liang storms back to the village and puts together a hunting party, with the blessing of the chief. He wants to rid his country of the Japanese. He discovers patriotism within, but he teeters on the edge of redemption and vengeance.