A story set at a period of great unrest during the end of the Qing Dynasty and beginning of the Republic of China, that follows two impassioned youths as they devote their lives to their country. Due to a series of events, Ah Yi strikes a friendship with Chong Li Ming who is a member of the imperial family. He gets recruited to join Yan Shi Fan, an extraordinary league of guards whose sole responsibility is to defend the palace. After numerous harsh and challenging tests, Ah Yi establishes a deep camaraderie with his teammates. Chong Li Ming also learns the importance of friendship through repeated power struggles against the foreigners, the triads and the filth of corruption that is plaguing the Qing Dynasty Courts. However, the progression of history causes Ah Yi and Chong Li Ming to develop disparate ideals and their friendship starts to crumble. ~~ Adapted from the manhua “Brilliant” by Han Lu.