Uprising

Scholar Jeong Yeo-Rip establishes a private community named Great Unity, advocating for the equality of all humans. He emphasizes the need to abolish slavery and demonstrates this by allowing noblemen and slaves to eat and train together, setting a radical example for his society.

King Seonjo learns of Jeong Yeo-Rip's revolutionary ideas and views them as a direct threat to the existing social order. He accuses Yeo-Rip of treason, leading to a siege on Great Unity and an order for the scholar's arrest and execution.

Faced with arrest, Jeong Yeo-Rip takes his own life, intending to inspire a change in mindset among his countrymen. His sacrifice plants the seeds of anti-slavery sentiment and resistance against the harsh social hierarchies in Joseon.

Cheon Yeong, a long-suffering slave, is captured after attempting to escape from his master’s home. He is brought before the noblemen, now facing severe consequences for having stolen a family heirloom sword during his flight.

As Cheon Yeong awaits punishment for his actions, the Japanese army attacks Joseon, causing chaos. The ongoing turmoil emboldens the slaves, motivated by Jeong Yeo-Rip's ideas, to rise against their masters.

Cheon Yeong becomes Jong-Ryeo's sparring partner, secretly teaching him martial arts to lessen his own punishment. Their bond grows despite the societal pressures, and Jong-Ryeo becomes more skilled, which benefits them both in their troubled lives.

After an escape attempt to visit his family, Cheon Yeong discovers his father has committed suicide due to the family's despair. This traumatic event deepens his resolve to fight against their oppressive circumstances.

Cheon Yeong secretly takes the military examination on behalf of Jong-Ryeo to secure a prestigious sword reward. His success leads to betrayal when Jong-Ryeo's father refuses to fulfill a promise of freedom, fearing Cheon Yeong's potential revenge.

During the Japanese attack, slaves rise in rebellion, empowered by Cheon Yeong's leadership. This uprising results in chaos and violence, leading to the destruction of the noble's residence and the death of several noble family members.

The relationship between Cheon Yeong and Jong-Ryeo deteriorates as Jong-Ryeo mistakenly believes Cheon Yeong is responsible for his family's deaths. This misunderstanding fuels conflicts between them and leads to further betrayals amidst the chaos.

Cheon Yeong organizes the freed slaves into a rebel army and strategizes against the Japanese forces. His tactical brilliance leads to several victories, earning him a fearsome reputation among both allies and enemies.

Jong-Ryeo executes a plan to use Kikkawa Genshin, the Japanese general, for his own ends. However, Genshin betrays Jong-Ryeo's trust by sabotaging his own troops, leading to a catastrophic clash.

Cheon Yeong and Jong-Ryeo face each other amid heightened tensions and misunderstandings. The confrontation escalates as Genshin takes advantage of their discord, resulting in devastating consequences for both.

After the ashes of betrayal and loss, Cheon Yeong rallies former slaves for a grand assault against King Seonjo. The culmination of their struggles symbolizes a fight not just for survival, but for justice and equality in Joseon.