Hwalbindang

In the era of the Middle Joseon Dynasty, Hong Pansoo's illegitimate son Gil-dong flees his home due to the mistreatment of his stepmother and grandmother, seeking refuge with the revered monk Baekunsa in Mount Geumgang. Along the way, Gil-dong rescues Dal-gae from a local magistrate and accompanies her and her daughter. After promising to meet again in five years, Gil-dong enters the mountain to dedicate himself to martial arts, mastering skills like shapeshifting and teleportation. Upon descending, Gil-dong forms the Active Hermit Society, targeting corrupt officials and redistributing stolen grain to the people. In response, the government captures Gil-dong's parents, leading to his injury while attempting a rescue. Gil-dong recovers with the help of the courtesan Wol-hyang. He challenges the new Chief of the Royal Guard, Seung-yeop, son of the Minister of War, to a duel, ultimately winning and saving his mother from execution. Gil-dong, Dal-gae, and his mother then set sail for a new land.