Painted Skin is based on the same title short story from Liao Zhai Zhi Yi. The story is set in late Yuen Dynasty, at the time when demons and devils roam free. A fairy Shui Mei Ling who killed her lover 100 years ago turned into a demon, and constantly needs the heart and skin of man to maintain her beauty. As her time for reincarnation draws near, her last victim Wang Er Sheng turns out to be a descendant of the lover she killed, while his brother Wang Er Lang (Donnie Yen) is a ghostbusting master who is highly skilled, brave and smart.