Having traveled to the exotic land of Khitai, King Conan learns that his mysterious invitation came from Shinzen, the greatest warrior in the Far East, who has gone mad and stolen the most prized relic in Khitai-the obsidian sword Hakkiba, the Blade of Balance. Despite warnings that Shinzen is an insurmountable opponent, Conan sets out for the haunted monastery where Shinzen now resides, determined to confront this mad warrior.