Two thousand years ago,
the son of the king of heaven, Lord Hwanwoong,
along with the three guardians, White Tiger, Turtle Snake and Blue Dragon
came down to earth to be with the humans he loved so much.
Lord Hwanwoong settled underneath the Sacred Tree on Mt. Tae Baek and named it Shin Shi.
I shall hereby establish law for the benefit of the land...
Those who desired to join Lord Hwanwoong gathered in multitudes.
During this time, the world was ruled by the Tiger Tribe.
Amongst them, the most capable and ruthless of warriors was Kajin, the Fire Priestess.
Under her command, the Tiger Tribe slaughtered Lord Hwanwoong's subjects.
But there was one who resisted the Tiger Tribe. Her name was Sae-oh, Daughter of the Bear Tribe.
The war between the Tiger Tribe and Lord Hwanwoong's people continued endlessly.
The people's suffering deepened each day.
Sae-oh of the Bear Tribe shed many tears as she looked after the people as a mother would.
Lord Hwanwoong, who had been watching Sae-oh's tears, resolved it was time to end this slaughter.
With all your purported heavenly power, try to kill me!
He asked Kajin to end the war.
However, Kajin raised her sword against Lord Hwanwoong.
Lord Hwanwoong took away her power of fire and encased it in a red orb.
Without her powers, Kajin became severely wounded.
Even though Kajin no longer had the ability to fight or hide,
Lord Hwanwoong received her with warmth and healed her.
She had never felt such emotions before.
From that moment, she was filled with longing for Lord Hwanwoong.
Although she told her tribe to end the war,
the elders of her tribe did not heed her words.
Kajin slew her own tribe with her sword.
And she ran to join Lord Hwanwoong under the Sacred Tree.
Lord Hwanwoong gave the power of fire to the daughter of the Bear Tribe, Sae-oh.
He made her the Guardian of the South with the power of the Red Phoenix.
Along with Woo Sa, the Blue Dragon and Guardian of the East,
Poong Baek, the White Tiger and Guardian of the South.
And Woon Sa, the Turtle Snake and Guardian of the North.
It was the moment that the four guardians were chosen.
Sae-oh, the woman Lord Hwanwoong loved since his descent to the world,
and Lord Hwanwoong no longer hid their love.
Kajin, who had thrown away everything for him, could not forgive them for this.
Then one day...
They said that a girl of the Bear Tribe was carrying Lord Hwanwoong's child.
Kajin decided that if she could not have Lord Hwanwoong in this life,
she would go to the next world with him.
Even though she had given birth, Sae-oh was not able to hold her baby.
Sae-oh joined the battle against Kajin's tribe.
Sae-oh chased Kajin in order to get her child back.
But Kajin who wanted to use the baby to see Lord Hwanwoong,
had no intentions of returning the baby to Sae-oh.
After watching her baby dying before her eyes, Sae-oh was unable to control the power within her.
Even though Lord Hwanwoong saved the baby, it was already too late.
Sae-oh transformed into the raging Black Phoenix who would burn the world.
The Three Guardians of the North, East and West...
attempted to control the power of the Black Phoenix, but were unable to do so.
The wrath of the Black Phoenix increased as time passed,
and its fiery rage threatened to destroy the whole world.
Because Kajin could not possess Lord Hwanwoong,
as well as the power of fire, she was filled with despair.
From that day, it rained for 7 days and 7 nights over the whole world.
Although the hellish fires were extinguished, the whole world was submerged in water.
Having lost Sae-oh, Lord Hwanwoong sealed the four symbols of the Guardians,
and pledged to return again.
And two thousand years passed.
The descendants of the Tiger Tribe named themselves Hwachun,
and awaited the new King of Joo Shin, the true king of the heavens...
in order to claim the power over the world.
The people of the Turtle Snake, Guh Mool,
awaited the true King of Joo Shin.
At last, has that promised time arrived?
Episode 2
375 A.D., 5th year of the Sosurim Dynasty.
Abullansa (main temple of Hwachun)
Is that the Star of Joo Shin?
For thousands of years, it was predicted... (head elder of Hwachunhae)
that on the day of the birth of the Joo Shin king, the Star of Joo Shin...
would shine bright and the symbols of the guardians of heaven would also awaken.
Is that day today?
On the night the Star of Joo Shin appears,
the King of Joo Shin will be born.
And when he is born,
Blue Dragon, White Tiger, Turtle Snake, Phoenix...
their four symbols will also awaken.
The light of the symbols will reach the heavens and dive into the depths.
Brothers of the Hwachunhae who guard the four corners of the world...
Find the symbols.
Goguryeo, Baekjae, Shilla, Malgal, run to the scattered cities of Joo Shin.
We must possess the four symbols of the heavens.
Thus, this world will eternally belong to Hwachun!
Guh Mool Village - Guardians of the Turtle Snake's symbol.
They await the return of the Joo Shin king.
The Symbol of the Turtle Snake.
- Hyun Duk! - Sir!
- Prepare all the disciples for departure. - Yes, sir.
- Hyun Woon. - Yes, sir.
Gather the rest and await the signal of the torch. (Hyunsu - 71st elder of the Guh Mool people)
Yes, I understand.
The symbol will awaken any day now.
Does that mean that the Joo Shin king, foretold for thousands of years, is born?
- That is correct. - What happens when we find the king?
Hyungo, you will follow me to the south.
- Is he in the south? - We cannot be certain until the torch is seen...
But at least two of the symbols are in Baekjae.
Oracle of Goguryeo.
A star like no other star will appear...
when a king like no other king is born.
Until the king awakens as the King, the wind will be like the leaves.
Hide what you have heard, O hearers! Hide what you have seen, O seers!
Until he awakens to his true calling, make caution to never forget!
Gooknae Castle - Yon Ga Ryuh's residence.
Lord Yon Ga Ryuh.
She has gone into labor.
Lady Yon (younger sister of King Sosurim)
It will be a son.
- Everyone is hoping for that. - It has to be a son.
For our Goguryeo... For us...
If heaven is is not indifferent, a son will be given to us.
Uh Ji Ji - future King Go Guk Yang King Sosurim's younger brother.
Heuksu Malgal blacksmith village.
- It is shining! - The sword isn't ready yet.
It is shining!
The symbol of the White Tiger.
The White Tiger's symbol has awakened at a blacksmith village in Malgal.
Follow the light and bring back the symbol.
This must be a dream!
This is a dream!
Hyungo - reincarnation of the Turtle Snake.
I see the fire from the white signal!
I wonder if it's the White Tiger's symbol?
- Hyun Jang. - Yes, elder.
- Go quickly and fetch it for me. - Yes.
375 A.D., the birth of Dam Duk.
It must be now.
Yes... It must be... Now should be the right time.
My 10,000 brothers, ride to Baekjae's Jin fortress and retrieve the Blue Dragon's symbol.
The Blue Dragon's symbol must be in our hands!
Jin Fortress of Baekjae.
The Blue Dragon's symbol.
Oh Great Guardian of the East...
I offer...
my son's heart to you.
Chuh Ro - reincarnation of the Blue Dragon.
Heuksu Malgal blacksmith village.
Where is the symbol?
Where did you hide it?
Father! Father!
Oh, Father!
What is this? Why did those men come here like that?
Father!
- Stop whining! Father! - What is it?
Is it because of this?
Over... over there!
Father!
Are you the guardians of the symbol?
We are the Turtle Snake guardians from Guh Mool village in Goguryeo.
We are here for the White Tiger's symbol.
The protective charm will not last long. Please give us the White Tiger's symbol.
Father! Are you all right?
Father! This is blood.
I've done my duty. Now it's his.
Father! Father!
I don't know what this is, but we must guard it. (The White Tiger's symbol)
We must guard it until the rightful owner comes to claim it.
Where am I supposed to find the owner?
What does the owner's face look like?
I don't know! If he's the rightful owner, they'll come chasing no matter where.
So you must run to the ends of the world and never give it anyone else.
I don't know why, but they said that's what you have to do!
The Phoenix's symbol has awakened at Sabi Castle in Baekjae.
Oh, brothers of Hwachun, ride to Sabi Castle.
The Phoenix's symbol is the power of the Earth.
It must be in Hwachun's possession!
Sabi Castle, Baekjae.
The light from the Phoenix's symbol definitely emanated from this house.
Where have you hidden it?!
Kiha, this baby is your younger sister and you are her older sister.
No matter what happens, you have to protect your younger sister.
You can do it, right?
The symbol of the Phoenix.
- Mother! - Get inside.
Mother...!
Kiha, this baby is your younger sister, and you are her older sister.
No matter what happens, you have to protect your younger sister. (Kiha - reincarnation of the Phoenix)
You can do it, right?
I did not think they could move so quickly.
To think that their reach extends so deeply into Baekjae...
The Baekjae magistrates will be here soon. We should leave before they frame us for this.
Master! Do you hear that?
It was the Black Phoenix!
- Now we can't see anything. It's clean! - Master!
- Hyungo! - Yes?
- Eliminate the child. - Why?
This cannot be.
We cannot allow the Black Phoenix to inflict its fiery rage on the world again.
- So this child...? - Must be eliminated to protect the world.
- How do you know she's the Black Phoenix? - You saw the dark mark!
- It wasn't a dark mark! - Hyungo!
It was a red mark. It's true! I saw it.
You were mistaken because of the smoke.
I was the first one to see her so I know best.
- It wasn't a dark mark! - Hyungo!
If this child is the Black Phoenix, she will set the world on fire.
Think about all the innocent lives that will be lost!
What if she's the true Phoenix?
What if she's the true Phoenix that will help the King?
What will happen if we kill her?
I will raise her and watch over her.
I will watch her and if the dark mark is on her,
I will kill her with my own hands.
I will never leave her side! Please?
The strength of the Turtle Snake is water. The strength of the Phoenix is fire.
Only water can control fire.
Abullansa (main temple of Hwachun)
For hundreds of years... (head elder of Hwachunhae)
and many generations,
my people have been waiting for this day.
But we... have only found one.
Only one... out of four.
But at least it is the Phoenix, the power of the Earth.
It is known to be the last symbol.
Nothing can be accomplished without the symbol of the Phoenix.
Is it yours?
Does this belong to you?
Did you...
put out the fire with the eye of the Phoenix?
Did you...
the descendant of the Phoenix?
- Is she eating? - Yes.
We should give her a name.
What is one that has wings, is friendly with man...
and knows how to share knowledge?
A rooster!
What about... Sujini?
Sujini! Sujini!
Aren't you going to wake up? You rascal!
Sujini! The sun has already reached the peak!
Wake up, please! Sujini!
We must enter Gooknae Castle before sunset.
Wake up!
If words won't do, then water will!
Sujini! How refreshing it will be!
Master!
Did you sleep well, master?
That was cold!
384 A.D., 14th year of the Sosurim Dynasty.
Gooknae Castle.
Wow, it's Gooknae Castle!
It's huge!
- But, master, where will we sleep? - Right here!
- How can you say that? - What?
How can I, the great Sujini, not have a place to sleep on my visit here?
That's true, but we will earn money and eat delicious food.
- Then we can sleep here! - How will we earn money?
Would a mother starve her child? Or would a teacher starve his disciple?
So you swear to be responsible for all my food, drink and sleep?
Of course! But there is something you must do for me.
What is it?
When you walk around Gooknae castle, you can drink the liquor that you like so much.
Just hold up this flag and since it would be a shame to walk empty-handed...
Here!
Let the stars tell your life!
Let me tell you what happened yesterday! You won't believe your ears!
Let me tell you what will happen tomorrow. Only for four cents!
Business is no good today.
Lady!
What's wrong with your face?
- Is something wrong with your family? - What's wrong with you?
- Something's wrong with this child! - Go away!
- Bad trouble! Come with me! - What is the matter?
Lady! What about your meat?
- Hurry! Bad trouble, I said! - What is happening?
Find out your path on earth from the stars in the heavens!
See your whole life from the palm of your hand!
What is it? What does it say?
Find out your path on earth from the stars in the heavens!
Gooknae Castle - King's residence.
Temple of the Oracle.
Lift me up.
Call my officials to the palace. (Sosurim - Goguryeo's 17th King )
I will say my final words.
Your Majesty! (Lady Yon - King Sosurim's younger sister)
His Majesty has summoned you. (Go Woo Choong - chief of the Royal Guard)
Uh Ji Ji - future King Go Guk Yang King Sosurim's younger brother.
- His Majesty... - He is in critical condition.
His Majesty has said that time is running out...
and that we must hasten.
It is still too early. How can this be?
Is that him?
Dam Duk - the future King Gwang Gae To.
Temple of the Oracle.
My son is of royal blood.
His mother is His Majesty's sister. (Lord Yon Ga Ryuh)
She is the daughter of the deceased King Gogookwon.
Everyone in Goguryeo knows this.
What everyone in Goguryeo knows is that the king has a brother. (Priestess of the temple)
We both know that is not the will of heaven!
Is it not your duty to inform the people of Goguryeo...
who the descendent of heaven will be next?
Are you suggesting that I lie about the will of heaven?
There has been an imperial decree to begin preparations for the funeral.
Is His Majesty already so weak?
Those who care for him say that it will be difficult for him to survive the night.
His Majesty has sent General Go Woo Choong.
The wind of unrest will be blowing in Gooknae Castle.
Will you cut off the bloodline that has been passed on for generations?
You must do that! You cannot do that!
Princess! His Majesty is...
Your Majesty, you know my son, your nephew...
The day Ho Gae was born, the star of the king appeared.
You saw it, too! That was the Star of the Joo Shin king.
All the ministers and the people agreed.
You saw the star that shone all night.
The king sent from heaven... I gave birth to him.
I... I gave birth to him.
I gave birth to him, Your Majesty!
His Majesty enters!
I, Uh Ji Ji, have received your summons.
You are late. We almost couldn't wait.
Elder brother!
I will soon be going to see my ancestors in heaven.
Even though the crown was passed to me from King Jumong from Great Goguryeo,
I was unable to fulfill his will.
But even an undeserving king can receive heaven's mercy.
Perhaps heaven will send a three-legged Golden Oriole. (Symbol of Goguryeo)
Thus I... hereby declare...
my younger brother and the late King's second son, Uh Ji Ji,
as the next King.
No! That is wrong!
This cannot be, your Majesty!
Whose blood runs in his veins? The heavens and the earth know!
Your Majesty, think of Goguryeo! Remember the late King!
Let go of me! Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
Is he the child?
Yes, he is Dam Duk.
- Child... - Your Majesty...
Your father and I have staked everything on you.
But...
But you must become the Joo Shin king and reunite the Joo Shin land.
Will you remember?
Me?
Find the four symbols of the Guardians and gather their owners.
They will protect you...
and open the path for you. Will you keep this promise?
Yes.
Brother! Brother!
Your Majesty!
384 A.D., coronation of the 18th King of Goguryeo, King Go Guk Yang.
Heaven used us to produce the Son of Heaven.
You must not forget this.
Even if it is heaven's will, the people will never accept it.
What further evidence do you need to believe me?
Our son, Ho Gae, was born a king - and not just any king,
He is the King of Joo Shin.
It was I that passed on this holy blood to Ho Gae.
You are the second highest ranking noble in this nation.
Summon the ministers and choose the rightful king again.
If I summon them, will they applaud me?
If those that defy us must be destroyed and our sons see war...
will you pay for that blood, my wife?
Then don't do it.
If you are so fearful, I will do it myself.
Whether the payment is for blood or for sin,
I will pay for it. You can just sit there and wait.
Do you know where we are?
The Royal Gooknae Castle.
We are merely in Middle Hell.
There are children that are always hungry no matter how much they eat.
And those who wear the mask of man but are demons.
But there are people here like General Go.
Yes, there are people here, too.
But it is easy for the people to be eaten alive by these demons.
These demons loathe mankind.
- My son. - Yes.
You must first survive.
You are still young, and I do not yet have the power to protect you.
So do not let yourself be seen.
- Not be seen? - You must not let on that you are better than others.
Do not reveal that you are agile and courageous, nor reveal that you are wise and kind.
Let them think you a fool and ignore you.
Let them forget you.
Until when must I live that way?
It will be until you are king.
I do not want to be king. You must die for me to become king!
If so, I do not wish to become king.
- Dam Duk! - I do not want it.
I am just a man who is preparing for you to become king.
I do not understand.
That is my reason for living.
I understand that now that I have become king.
Unless I summon you, do not leave the Royal Villa.
General Go will protect you at the Royal Villa. You will be safe there.
You do not have to attend the Royal School. General Go and his men will be your teachers.
Royal School military field.
Yon Ho Gae - Lord Yon's son.
Am I forbidden to make friends?
It will be told that you are frail and weak of health.
Remember that you must show this to be true.
My prince! What brings you here?
I needed some fresh air. My stroll brought me here.
Would you like to learn spearmanship?
How could I?
Come with me!
When you hold a spear, you must use both hands.
Use piercing and whirling motions.
When you use a spear on a horse, you hold the spear like this.
Hold it tight to your side and use your strength.
Like this.
- It's... so heavy. - It is like that for everyone in the beginning.
- The more you use it, the lighter it will become. - Really?
Really.
Yon Ho Gae... He is the most eligible as one born of royal descent and under the Joo Shin Star.
Watch him carefully to see if he is made to be King.
If we are to make use of him, it will be better for him to seek us out first.
Would you like to capture this opportunity?
Are you hurt?
I have heard that the boy, Ho Gae...
has already surpassed most men's skills on the spear, sword and bow.
If an exceptional man becomes the Joo Shin King,
it will pose a problem for us.
But you, Kiha, will hold any of them in the palm of your hand.
A long time ago,
Kajin was the same way.
In front of Kajin, even the most skilled warriors...
bowed to her on their knees.
Kajin lives within you, Kiha.
Never forget that.
Gooknae Castle Library.
I mean to read until sunrise.
Won't you be tired until then?
I could smell your extinguished flame when I walked in.
Now I can smell incense.
Are you...
behind the bookcase?
It smells like the incense used in the temple.
You must be from the temple.
If you are here to read in secret like me, don't hide uncomfortably. Sit down and read.
These books prefer to be read by someone rather than to be covered in dust.
I don't understand what's wrong.
I am a novice at the temple and forbidden to speak to anyone.
That is why I am speaking to the bookcases.
One's gait is dependent on the strength of the lower body.
No matter how easy the movements, the lower body must be disciplined.
Is that not so... Sir Bookcase?
Who in the entire land of Goguryeo sees him as a mere warrior?
Both heaven and earth know the truth!
- They said he will die within a month. - Die?
At the longest, perhaps three months...!
I don't trust anybody here in Gooknae Castle.
I can trust you, right?
- We will find the culprit! - I already know who it is.
I wonder why you thought that?
So war can start within Gooknae Castle.
There are many relatives and friends of Lord Yon in the castle.
If they all unite with him, then...
Kiha, always stay near me.
Stay where I can always see you.
Main Translator: MrsKorea.
Spot Translator: Pyoungsang.
Timers: MrsKorea, Victory.
Editor/QC: Greenwing