The first in a trilogy, this tale draws upon Chinese myth and legend in a tour de force of classic storytelling.

A volcanic eruption releases a vanguard of demons, sealed away for centuries beneath the earth. Soon after, the Emperor's son is born, marked with the sign of the Qin–the brand of the outlaw. The Emperor plots to kill his only heir before the boy can usurp the throne but he is foiled by a mysterious monk with magical tattoos and a trickster monkey. A host of warring guardians must unite to help the Starlord unlock the kung fu secrets of the Twelve Scrolls and save the earth from destruction.