The story unfolds along the lines of a "battle of wits between the police and the bandits," starting with a case where the proceeds of crime from a drug offense are stolen. Detective Kong Yang (played by Mark Shum) bravely captures the drug offender, earning great merit but failing to recover the illicit funds. Meanwhile, a bandit group led by Gao Zhe (played by Alex Liu) successfully devises and executes a plan to steal the money. Yang begins an investigation, determined to uncover the mastermind behind the bandit group, thus opening the curtain on a battle of intellects between the police and the bandits...
As Yang investigates Zhe, he discovers that Zhe may be the mastermind behind a bank robbery five years ago, during which Yang's mentor lost his life. Yang uncovers deeper truths about the robbery, revealing the reality of his mentor’s transformation from a cop into a criminal.
During his confrontations with Zhe, Yang must also face other dangerous criminals. Unable to gather sufficient evidence to convict these criminals under the law and witnessing the victims' suffering, Yang becomes increasingly stressed, almost losing his sanity. He even considers breaking the law himself by planting evidence to convict the criminals. Despite enduring the internal struggle of transforming from a cop into a potential criminal, Yang ultimately restrains himself but still faces an internal police investigation.
Zhe, as a chivalrous thief, has his own set of beliefs in fighting against the strong and aiding the weak, stealing from the rich to help the poor. He uses extraordinary means to punish criminals that the police cannot legally bring to justice. Although the police and the bandits are sworn enemies, their goals sometimes align—both aim to deter evil and uphold justice. Thus, these two titans of the police and bandit worlds transition from being adversaries to mutual admirers, eventually developing a bond of respect and camaraderie...
However, for a policeman, having brotherhood with a bandit represents a crisis of identity and belief. Therefore, Yang chooses to defeat Zhe to reaffirm his own convictions. Yang gradually falls into a state of madness, obsessed with the game of victory and defeat between the police and the bandits. This obsession affects his harmonious relationship with his family, even leading to marital problems with his wife Minnie (played by Florence Tong)...
As the leader of the bandits, if Zhe were to lose to Detective Yang, it would mean facing imprisonment, something he cannot accept. Moreover, finding a worthy opponent, Zhe enjoys the stimulating challenge of intellectual battles between the police and the bandits, until he forms an emotional connection with divorced woman Bao Rongrong (played by Joey Wong), prompting him to reflect on his life path...
Rongrong, as a simple and kind housewife, despite experiencing divorce, being deceived out of her son, and facing oppression upon re-entering society, still maintains a broad-minded attitude towards misfortune and injustice. She knows how to use simple wisdom to release resentment and resolve issues. Her peace and happiness are like a fresh spring in the complex world of black, white, and gray between the police and the bandits, making Zhe reconsider the kind of life he wants to lead. In the end, Zhe decides to retire to live a peaceful and happy life with Rongrong.
Unfortunately, due to a dispute over using extreme measures against a major villain, both sides engage in a relentless battle. As a police officer, Yang cannot let Zhe, the head of the bandits, go free. And for the sake of loyalty and interests within his gang, Zhe has no choice but to bear everything. An inevitable ultimate showdown between the police and the bandits looms...