Duel on Mount Hua: Southern Emperor and Northern Beggar

Hong Qi is raised in the Beggars' Gang. To regain his father's trust, he decides to go alone to avenge his mother. Duan Zhi Xing, the Crown Prince of Dali, longs to become a great hero and sneaks out of the palace.

Hong Qi learns that Xing is actually his enemy's son. Xing successfully joins the Beggars' Gang, while Hong Qi is kidnapped by Yi Huo and taken back to the tribe.

In order to save Yi Huo, Hong Qi ate the love fruit, and people from the tribes fed Hong Qi various poisons, causing his life to hang by a thread.

Hong Qi was rescued by Yi Huo, but his body was severely injured. The two then met a young monk who had medical knowledge.

At the Beggars' Gang tournament, Duan Zhi Xing fought his way through numerous challengers. Fearing he would win the position of gang chief, the elders of the Clean Clothes Faction threatened him using Yi Huo’s life.

Hong Qi initiated reforms within the Beggars' Gang, upsetting Elder Pang of the Clean Clothes Faction. During the succession ceremony, they publicly accused him of seducing the Dali crown princess, attempting to drive a wedge between Hong Qi and Duan Zhi Xing.

Nuowu demanded that Duan Zhi Xing and Yi Huo marry immediately and ensure their child would inherit the Dali throne. For the sake of peace and stability, Duan Zhi Xing and Yi Huo agreed to the marriage.

Yi Huo attempted to elope with Hong Qi, but her mother and Hong Mu appeared to stop them.