Char Lo Mein is a wise and compassionate dragon who presides over and protects the village of Tuking. As the years pass, his scales begin to flake off, his bones turn brittle, and he knows he must soon find someone who can replace him as the village guardian. Out of all the villagers, the wise old dragon chooses Chou Ling-a ten-year-old girl.

Chou Ling is already highly skilled in the art of judo, but Char Lo Mein sees something even more important when he looks at her-a pure heart. Reminding her of his teachings about peace, love, and compassion, the dying dragon advises Chou Ling...