In a fictional ancient Chinese market-town era, Shen Yanzhou, the young master of Songyan Studio, a prestigious ink-making family in Linshui Town, carries on his family's legacy. His rival, Qian Wantang of Jumo Pavilion, monopolizes the supply of pine soot and binding materials, hoping to drive Songyan Studio out of business. Unwilling to inflate ink prices, Shen Yanzhou insists on producing high-quality, affordable ink for impoverished scholars. Together with Su Jian, the manager of a paper workshop, he ventures into the mountains to learn the ancient pine-soot ink-making technique from an experienced craftsman, Uncle Sang, and overcome the shortage of raw materials. Despite repeated hardships, including interrupted supplies and the rival's malicious accusations and smear campaign, the craftsmen and townspeople stand together. Using improved cold-made ink to face a wager, they preserve their traditional craft and protect the hopes of the town's scholars.