Year 1743, over a hundred years after the Byeongja Horan. (Byeongja Horan - Second Manchu Invasion of Korea)
It was a period when
the Noron faction possessed more military power than the king. (Noron - Western faction of court officials following the Old Learning)
-=San Tian Du Monument:Year 1743 (Bing Zi) Time, Qing Tai Zong Great King erected victory monument.=- the Noron faction possessed more military power than the king. (Noron - Western faction of court officials following the Old Learning)
Inheriting the will of the Deceased Majesty King Hyojong -=San Tian Du Monument:Year 1743 (Bing Zi) Time, Qing Tai Zong Great King erected victory monument.=-
Inheriting the will of the Deceased Majesty King Hyojong
so as the Royal Prince Successor Yi Son to mark the Law of the Land
Crown Prince Sado broke the humiliating Samjeondo Monument into two.
-=Hyo Jong's Curved Moon Blade (Yan Yuedao)=- Crown Prince Sado broke the humiliating Samjeondo Monument into two.
In front of the Noron, he declared a challenge. (Noron - western faction of court officials following the Old Learning) -=Hyo Jong's Curved Moon Blade (Yan Yuedao)=-
In front of the Noron, he declared a challenge. (Noron - western faction of court officials following the Old Learning)
Joseon's history will be rewritten by my hand!
Looking for an opportunity to have the Crown Prince's head, the Noron faction
conspired with the Qing Dynasty.
And looking for reasons to frame the Crown Prince, brought false charges of revolution.
The court military officials agreed to sentence Baek Sa Goeng for the crime of the Crown Prince.
-=Baek Sa Goeng=- The court military officials agreed to sentence Baek Sa Goeng for the crime of the Crown Prince.
All three generations of his family will also suffer the same fate.
Traitors! Be still!
How do you plan to deal with the Crown Prince?
Baek Sa Geong will be beheaded
and his family will be annihilated up to his 3rd bloodline.
Your Majesty.
This is the only thing I can do.
Just like this, the wild wind in the long history of Joseon started to blow again.
-=Episode 1=-
-=Sword Saint Gim Gwang Taek (Joseon's best Swordman)=-
-=Cheon (Heuksa Chorong, Sky Lord)=-
Hey, you're here Gwang Taek.
You're here to welcome me?
I stayed the whole night here, boy,
just to wait for you.
I appreciate your kindness.
But I don't have time to waste here with you.
What a friend you are...
Hey...
Are you worried about the Crown Prince?
You just give me some time.
Even a quarter of an hour is fine.
That is a bit long.
Today let me have a taste of our Gwang Taek's sword.
The criminal Baek Sa Goeng
-=Baek Sa Geong=- will be beheaded.
The entire 3 generations of his family
will be hanged.
-=Jang Dae Po=-
It seems that today I win.
Your heart's willingness to die every time you fight
sends chills down my spine.
Moisten your throat.
Let's fight together again.
-=Baek Sa Goeng House=-
-=Heuk Sa Mo=- You're here. How is she?
She started having labor pains. -=Heuk Sa Mo=-
She started having labor pains.
Why must it be at this time.
-=Lady Pak (Baek Sa Goeng's wife)=-
This is not revolution!
If it's not revolution... then what is it?
We simply crashed a monument that is over a hundred years old.
-=Crown Prince Sado=- Do we need approval from the Qing Dynasty to do that?
Stop talking nonsense!
At the moment, Joseon won't gain anything by infuriating the Qing.
-=Yeong Ju=- At the moment, Joseon won't gain anything by infuriating the Qing.
Your Majesty.
What exactly are you afraid of?
The Qing is just a place Joseon called land of the barbarians.
I just want to get rid of those barbarians.
And reclaim the northern lands that were lost.
Silence!
At present, Joseon does not have the strength and the will.
Because of your reckless behavior...
not only we've to send tons of gold as tribute
but those poor girls had to be sent to the Qing to become servants.
Have you thought about how you'll take responsibility for this?
You don't have to answer.
Starting today, don't take part in any court proceedings.
To Rule on Behalf (Dai Li Ting Zheng): Royal Highness who accepted the edict to rule on state affairs on behalf of His Majesty. Starting today, don't take part in any court proceedings.
Act carefully before the new decree is passed. To Rule on Behalf (Dai Li Ting Zheng): Royal Highness who accepted the edict to rule on state affairs on behalf of His Majesty.
Act carefully before the new decree is passed.
Your Majesty!
Do you understand?
Ah... What's that horrible smell?
Curse you all who think my saliva is foul.
All of you leave.
Hey, hey! Where did this fellow come from...
Not even an ant can pass through here.
Lunatic...
You just look like a wild boar. How dare you block the way?
Looks like you are part of the revolution party.
Men, arrest that criminal!
-= "Wolf Bamboo Stick" - branches filled with sharp metal blades and the stick is made of iron.=-
Out of the way!
Come. Try and stab me again.
Damn bastards.
Come... everybody look.
I have 88 kinds of hidden weapons. Can you bastards see them?
What did I say just now?
Didn't I say that no one can pass through here?
This is a kwan dao. (Kwan dao - a modified version of a heavy long pole weapon)
It's for breaking your bones.
This is a slitter.
It's for slicing your meat.
Looks like you really are a lunatic!
Rascals, what are you standing there for?
Cut off this guy's head quickly!
You really want to die?
Then Hyeongnim, were you also eager to walk on the road of death? (Hyeongnim - respected older brother)
Cut off the heads of those criminals. Quickly!
Yes!
Hyeongnim,
since we made a pact to die together,
I'll accompany you on this journey of death.
Do not worry.
You won't die yet.
-=Sword Saint Gim Gwang Taek (Joseon's best swordman)=-
What are you doing?!
If you dare to take another step,
you will be punished according to the law of the land.
You came.
Why are you here?
It is a long story.
You rascal...
Stop!
-=Hong Dae Ju (Commander of State Tribunal)=-
Who is this?
Isn't this the Sword Saint?
What is this about?
You mean you don't know?
It's a crime to revolt.
Revolution?
How ridiculous.
A loyal family that has protected the Royal family for generations...
why would they revolt?
I must personally go meet His Majesty.
Sword Saint!
That won't be necessary.
This is a Royal edict.
It is a direct order from His Majesty.
From His Majesty?
This can't be.
There must be a mistake somewhere.
Men, why are you just standing there?!
Get rid of all those who defy the Royal edict!
Stop!
Gusaengpae. (Gusangpae - Survival wear amnesty/pardon given by King.)
His Majesty said that no matter the circumstance,
it can pardon a death.
His Majesty gave his word.
Even if it's the gusangpae,
it will not save the life of this rebel.
If Baek Sa Goeng's life is spared,
then the life of the Crown Prince will be greatly threatened.
The Sword Saint should understand...
Crown Prince Sado will be next...
Yeonggam, (Yeonggam - term used to address 2nd. Rank Junior Officer.)
as a traitor I am unable to beg for forgiveness and live my life in shame.
However, you should spare this person's life.
Hyeongnim, what are you doing?
What do you think?
Sword Saint...
So be it.
Can we talk for a moment?
Of course.
Sword Saint,
you may have managed to escape this time.
But you must always remember...
I will be keeping an eye on you.
I am sorry.
You don't have to apologize.
If by sacrificing my insignificant life,
I am able to save the life of the Crown Prince,
I am at peace.
I...
have a request to make of you.
If my wife and child are found to be innocent,
I would like to entrust my unborn child in your care.
Do not worry.
Go in peace.
Hyeongnim, what nonsense are you talking about?
Regardless of what methods we use,
we should be rescuing Sa Goeng hyeongnim from this place!
It is time!
Hyeongnim!
Oh my God!
Hyeongnim!
Why aren't you talking?
That...
I was not able to arrest anyone.
There was someone who seems to be Baek Sa Goeng's man. His martial arts skill is great.
Don't talk anymore.
I did not make you Captain to listen to your excuses.
I'm extremely sorry.
How does he look like?
Seeing that he speaks foully...
He should be boorish commoner.
With messy hair
and an offensive body odor...
Only those?
He uses a yeopdo as his weapon. (yeopdo - a spear sword)
Yeopdo?
Do you know that...
What?
There is only one commoner in this world that wields a yeopdo.
-=In (Heuksa Chorong, Human Lord)=-
A person named Heuk Sa Mo. -=In (Heuksa Chorong, Human Lord)=-
A person named Heuk Sa Mo.
Heuk Sa Mo.
That is a special name.
(Note: Black and Earth same tone, Sa Mo vs Shi Mu same tone.) Maybe he is someone who craves for soil.
He is a butcher skilled with knives and is as strong as a bull.
How about...
this time you take care of it personally.
The rewards will not disappoint.
One gisaeng is enough.
Of course, two is even better.
So the red-banded snake finally shows his head.
Not a red-banded snake, but a venomous snake.
Hyeongnim.
You can't take him on.
Go inside and take care of the lady.
I understand.
Looks like you are the maknae of Heuksa Chorong. (maknae - neophyte, amateur, or youngest)
Maknae?
Ahh... That really hurts my ego.
Sword Saint, have you lost your mind?
I wanted to meet with the rumored Sword Saint.
But when I finally do, the man looks down on me...
With the way you look down on people,
how do you expect me to treat you?
Do you know me?
If I can't recognize the Sword Saint, Gim Gwang Taek,
how can I claim to be a warrior of Joseon?
To a person who only cares about money, power and gisaeng,
have you no sense of shame in calling yourself a warrior?
Gisaeng? I happen to like them a lot.
In any case, my sword
will finally have a really, really hearty meal today.
-=Sincere love, Baek Sa Goeng=-
How is it?
At the moment...
anyone who dares to cross this line,
will be sent off to the other world.
I'm extremely curious about that world all of a sudden.
Step aside!
It doesn't seem like a bad idea to pay a visit to that world while alive.
You are too greedy.
Please leave quickly.
Sword Saint? Joseon's best swordman?
To be honest, I really did not belittle you.
But it seems like you deserve that title afterall. I'm so glad!
You talk too much.
Your sword...
did you practice it with your mouth?
I use my mouth and my asshole too.
As long as there are holes, I'll use them.
On your way to the underworld,
if you have to pay for the way with your limbs...
arms or legs,
which do you think is a better choice?
This question seems a little hard, isn't it?
With your ability,
you wouldn't be a worthy opponent even in a hundred years.
I admit defeat.
I've lost.
I admit absolute defeat.
Why is there no simple solution to solve this problem?
Get in here!
Baek Sa Goeng's family
has a reputation for producing martial arts experts for many generations.
If we can't find his child,
then he'll become the root of trouble for us in the future.
We must find him
and annihilate three generations of his family.
Do you understand?
Yes!
-=Heuksa Chorong (Qing Dynasty, Hired Assassins Guild)=-
I heard you're returning to your country soon?
This is a wild ginseng from Baekdu Mountain.
Wild ginseng... shall I use it to wipe your mouth?
-=Cheon (Heuksa Chorong, Sky Lord)=- Wild ginseng... shall I use it to wipe your mouth?
-=Ji (Heuksa Chorong, Earth Lord)=-
I have prepared an additional five hundred catties outside. -=Ji (Heuksa Chorong, Earth Lord)=-
I have prepared an additional five hundred catties outside.
Five hundred catties.
It is so kind of you!
But haven't you found the Bukbeoljigye? (Bukbeoljigye - the Northern Expedition strategy war book that King Hyojong left behind)
-=Bukbeoljigye - the Northern Expedition strategy war book that King Hyojong left behind=- But haven't you found the Bukbeoljigye? (Bukbeoljigye - the Northern Expedition strategy war book that King Hyojong left behind)
Although they now look like dead rats trying their hardest to conceal their thoughts,
still, Joseon is not a nation to be belittled!
Due to that Bukbeol,
His Majesty is very worried!
I'm deeply sorry.
This is not a matter that can be solved with an apology.
After Byeongja Horan,
the reason why you remained in Joseon...
Wasn't it to eliminate all of them when the time comes?
Therefore, we must find the Bukbeol...
The mighty dragon is actually fearful of a little rabbit.
What? What did you say?
Isn't that a role and responsibility of each one of us?
Since we can't confirm the existence of the Bukbeoljigye,
the Emperor of Qing has become anxious and irritated.
Don't you think so?
As long as I'm around,
the Bukbeol can never happen. (Bukbeol - Northern Expedition)
Please inform His Majesty of that.
The look in your eyes
is so strong that it can pierce a hole in the sky.
If it's just the sky in Joseon,
I am more than capable.
Is it finally stitched?
Yes.
Put it on.
Move aside!
Losing only a finger after meeting with a tiger...
This is considered very fortunate in a very unfortunate situation.
Yes, very fortunate.
Didn't I previously advice you to run away when you see Gwang Taek?
Stop talking...
This kid... how can you understand my feelings at this moment?
Dae Ung,
you should be grateful you're still alive.
If this fails, it will endanger the entire Heuksa.
Will you be able to bear the responsibility?
This bottle is too small.
Give me a full jug!
The things you saw today, just pretend they didn't happen.
Do you understand?
This means to say...
Even though it's difficult, please endure it a little more.
- I am fine. - Then that's good.
Come on.
Please come with me.
You've had labor pains all afternoon.
My Lady, now that I think of it, you've been pregnant for more than 10 months.
I am fine. No need to worry.
Please take good care of yourself.
If something happens to you...
Please take good care of her.
Yes.
My husband...
How is my husband?
My Lady, do you still not understand hyeongnim?
He will not leave his wife and escape by himself.
You gang of kids, didn't I tell you to go back?
Chief,
what exactly is going on?
A calm and quiet Ban Zi Village...
It's nothing. Don't worry about it too much.
- Don't tell me that is Lord Baek's... - You... this gang of kids!
If you have nothing to do, don't look for trouble, all right?
Rest in peace.
As a child,
-=Yeo Cho Sang=- As a child,
I often cut the moon's reflection in the water. -=Yeo Cho Sang=-
I often cut the moon's reflection in the water.
-=Baek Sa Goeng=- I often cut the moon's reflection in the water.
But even if I could slice the moon in the water,
in the end, I still couldn't touch the moon in the sky.
I was satisfied just to make ripples in the water.
Crown Prince.
Crown Prince, you shouldn't...
He was my subject... but also my teacher.
Please forgive me... this unworthy pupil.
Sir! Sir, what are you doing?
Let go!
- Find them. - Yes.
Arrest them all.
Even if they are pregnant women or babies less than a month old, arrest them all!
Have mercy!
Go! Search over there.
Take her!
Let go!
He's my child. Why are you doing this?
He's my child!
What is going on?
Haven't you heard?
The wife and child of the convicted rebel escaped.
Is that so?
Other than those from the noble classes,
they don't care if you are beggar or servant,
they will arrest all newborns and expectant mothers on sight.
What? Does that make any sense?
The law of the land is still in place. How can this be happening?
If you value your life, be careful of what you say.
Hyeongnim.
If they hear the sound of crying babies,
they will arrest them without reason.
The lady should be giving birth in one or two days. What should we do?
My child, you also heard, right?
Please endure some more.
It is not yet time for you to come out.
Is she already in labor?
That... I don't know what happened.
Lately, there are no apparent fetal movements but her digestion is not bad.
At this point, the fetus should have descended to the pelvic area.
So then... why has she not given birth yet?
Tell me precisely.
This...
The interval between contractions is longer and her water still hasn't broken.
It is not time yet.
She's been pregnant for more than 10 months.
How is it that she still hasn't given birth?
That is because...
In short, I have given her a medicinal concoction.
- You should only... - Medicinal concoction?
You dishonest, shameless swindler!
You've already given her this medicinal concoction so many times!
Hyeongnim, he must be selling extra concoctions to make money.
- This... this person, how dare you look down on me?! - You... this kid!
Don't be rude!
Let go of him.
From what I can tell, the mother doesn't want to give birth to the child yet.
That is ridiculous.
How can she decide when to give birth? Want the baby early, have it early? Want the baby later, have it later?
That's really...
I also don't know exactly what is happening, it just feels that way.
I will go now.
You bastard!
Get out of my way!
Search carefully. Don't let any of them get away.
I heard that there's a pregnant woman in your house. Let us take a look.
What nonsense are you talking about?
I heard that you are currently looking for the descendants of the rebel.
There is neither a newborn baby in his house,
nor is there an expectant mother. There's nothing here to see.
You people really...
I told you there isn't any.
There's none.
You all are really...
Child, my child!
Where is it? Where?
My child!
You kid.
Isn't it?
Officer. Sir, that house seems suspicious.
Let's go!
Yes.
You brat, why are you over there?
One, two, three, four... six. I think there are at least twelve.
How do you want to handle this?
I will do what is necessary. You just stay out of it.
Stop your nonsense. I don't trust you.
You haven't listened to what I say, not once.
What are you two smiling and laughing about?
Officer, Sir, I think you will have to return empty-handed.
This kid. You nearly died once but still haven't learned?
Already told you to hurry up and go back.
You pig head!
- Somebody... come here! - You son of a bitch!
Go back immediately!
Bastard, get lost now!
Get back!
Madam...Madam... Madam!
My Lady... My Lady... My Lady!
Is this necessary?
Hyeongnim.
Push... Push harder!
Push harder... Push harder...
My child... My child...
He's here.
You all worked hard.
Hurry, let me take a look.
Let me take a look and see.
The child is... deformed.
Caused by being squeezed in the mother's womb.
How can it be like this?
Lower your voice.
Fetch a doctor, quickly!
Yes.
Is the mother all right?
She is bleeding profusely.
Are you all right?
My child!
Let me look at my child.
You don't have to worry about the child. It is more important that you quickly recover.
Only if you survive, will the child be able to grow up healthily.
Why? Why can't I see my child?
Don't tell me, something happened to my child?
He's a fat healthy baby
with distinctive bone structure like his father.
Have you thought of the child's name?
Dong Su. I named him Dong Su.
Baek Dong Su.
Was it given by Sa Goeng?
You don't need to worry about the child. Just get well first.
Don't worry and rest in peace.
I...
This child... I will... will definitely...
save him.
Go in peace.
Greetings to the Sword Saint.
Such a grand greeting is befitting of your status, right?
Hyeongnim.
The rebel's wife has perished.
There is no way to escape from death!
Arrest these criminals!
Sa Mo,
it is my head that
Lord Hong Dae Ju desires, not yours.
You go back and collect the corpse of our lady.
What?
If you want to lose your life,
just come forward.
Stop!
Are you going to defy His Majesty's order?
Lower your sword.
If Sword Saint leaves the child behind, he is not the Tiger that I thought he is.
Catch him...
Capture him! Don't let him escape!
Where is Hyeongnim?
He seems to have a plan in mind.
Stop!
Sword Saint,
helping a rebel escape or hiding him,
is a severe crime as treason itself.
I think you know this very well.
If it is a crime to protect the wife and the child...
I am willing to bear this crime.
However, I wonder if the Crown Prince shares your idea.
That, I find highly suspicious.
You must be mistaken.
Do you really think the Crown Prince would stand up for you?
We will just have to wait and see.
Sir.
The child's life is hanging by a thread. Go look for a doctor.
Since when did the State Tribunal become a place to treat the criminals?
Traitor Gim Gwang Taek helped a rebel to escape.
According to the King's Law, the death penalty is to be carried out.
This child whose family is to be annihilated... shall be boiled alive.
Execute the punishment.
Mercy! Please have mercy!
-Jong Sagwan... carry out the punishment! -Yes. (Jong Sagwan - Assistant Commander of the Gate Guard)
Mercy! Please have mercy!
Why aren't you proceeding?
Yes.
Have mercy!
Stop!
The criminal, Gim Gwang Taek, is pardoned.
This is His Majesty's Royal edict.
Release him.
Yes.
Your Majesty, he is the Sword Saint!
During 3rd Month of the Byeong-in Nyeon, you bestowed upon him the Saingeom and the gusangpae. (Byeong-in Nyeon = 3rd year C3 of the 60 year cycle)
(Note: Sa Yin Geom = Four Yin Sword) During 3rd Month of the Byeong-in Nyeon, you bestowed upon him the Saingeom and the gusangpae. (Byeong-in Nyeon = 3rd year C3 of the 60 year cycle)
You also personally handed the okgwanja. (Okgwanja - a jade head-band button for a high-ranking government official) (Note: Sa Yin Geom = Four Yin Sword)
(Note: Jade Talisman (Yu Guan Zi): Joseon's period 3rd rank Officers's wearing button clasp made of jade.) You also personally handed the okgwanja. (Okgwanja - a jade head-band button for a high-ranking government official)
Your Majesty also praised him for promoting Joseon's martial arts (Note: Jade Talisman (Yu Guan Zi): Joseon's period 3rd rank Officers's wearing button clasp made of jade.)
Your Majesty also praised him for promoting Joseon's martial arts
and bestowed upon him the Sword Saint title
to spread the name of Joseon to the world.
This is the gusangpae I gave him!
If I take back my words, the authority of the of the Royal Palace will be undermined.
In this world, only Your Majesty can take back your words.
I can not save all.
You have to choose... save the Sword Saint or the child.
Your Royal Highness.
Come! Execute the boiling punishment, quickly!
Yes.
Your Royal Highness!
he's just a new born baby...
Even His Royal Highness... can't do anything about it.
Yeonggam, even if it's an order...
how can you justify killing a new born baby?
No favoritism. That is justice.
Following the king's commands, abiding the law... That is justice. How can you not know?
Execute the punishment!
I have a request to make of you.
I would like to entrust my unborn child in your care.
Stop!
To save this child...
I'm willing to sacrifice an arm.
What did you just say?
I'm willing to give up an arm in exchange for the life of this child.
Sword Saint, are you serious?
Yes, Your Royal Highness.
Your arm does not belong to you alone.
You are responsible for carrying on Joseon martial arts and to save people from unknown threats.
Your Royal Highness.
If I can't even save someone right in front of me, how can I save others?
If I can't even save a new born baby...
what's the use of having an arm.
Your Royal Highness, then let's do it his way.
If the Sword Saint is willing to sacrifice an arm...
His Majesty who view morals highly,
will spare their lives.
Sword Saint, this is an irreversible choice.
Your subject, Gim Gwang Taek,
a person not of the King's bloodline
have no lust for great wealth or glory.
However, I insist on the creed of the martial arts. (creed of martial arts = way of the righteous)
Having experienced numerous bloodsheds,
it is deeply ingrained in me the difference between right and wrong.
If sacrificing an arm...
I am able to save this child,
even if you asked me a thousand times,
I would not change my decision.
It looks like we'll need the guillotine.
Prepare the guillotine!
-=Next Episode Preview=-
Take care of yourself.
There is more than one friend who was sent to finish you.
Let me witness the ability of the one-armed Sword Saint.
Can't even move... not even able to eat!
You are born with the natural ability to kill.
You should not have been born into this world.
This is the agreement that our race had with the King which cannot be broken.
Ji Seon, this great ambition will be inherited by you.
Looks like this is the long-awaited opportunity.
Be safe Crown Prince.
Help!
Dong Su.
You have the blood of Joseon's number one martial arts family.
Gather all the strong and healthy children.
Starting today, both of you will join the Military Camp.
That group of bastards.