A wandering noble-blooded Chinese boatman, Kan Wong, reflects on the rebellion that transformed China 70 years ago and caused his family to fall from grace. He is disgusted with his life, seeing it as something ill-befitting his heritage, and wishes to find glory that he can pass on along with his bloodline. Kan Wong sails into the city, where he finds someone he calls a "Foreign Devil," and implies is from England, advertising well-paying work. Upon further investigation, Kan Wong discovers that the job requires him to leave the country, but it pays well, so he accepts the position. Two days later, Kan Wong boards a boat to embark to an unknown destination, beginning a very long journey requiring three separate methods of transport, including a plane. He quickly rises to a position of authority, being given the duty of overseeing his fellow workers, which he takes with pride. Once he arrives, he finds himself at a harbor where he and his coworkers are required to transport cargo to and from warships. Kan Wong observes that his peers, along with many soldiers, are gradually sent away to "the north and east." Eventually he joins such a delegation himself, and travels toward what he suggests are the front lines. Once they arrive, the laborers are set to work on digging trenches, even as they are bombarded. One day, Kan Wong finds himself in the midst of a full-out battle, and soldiers are dying all around him. Then, he realizes there are no soldiers left, so he picks up a fallen soldier's rifle, and begins to fight back against the enemy. He gives a speech to the other trench-diggers, inspiring them to fight alongside him. Through their efforts, the military commanders halt their retreat, and return the soldiers to the fight. Because he saved the battle, Kan Wong is made a full-fledged soldier, and gains the glory he was looking for.