Go Won Pyo of the Gyeru Tribe comes before King Pyeongwon and threatens him with his private army for the exclusive rights to salt. Despite the King's unrest, Queen Yeon leaves for patrol taking Princess Pyeonggang with her. Meanwhile, On Hyeop the chief of the Sunno Tribe tests his son's manhood. Part 2: While Queen Yeon visits On Hyeop, Go Won Pyo arrives on King Pyeongwon's decree to kill Queen Yeon and Princess Pyeonggang. Princess Pyeonggang escapes with Dal's help as Oh Hyeop and Queen Yeon confronts Go Won Pyo. Meanwhile, King Pyeongwon looks for Wol Gwang, Queen Yeon's secret lover.

Eight years go by and although Yeom Ga Jin wants to live a humble, quiet life, she has one last mission to complete, to assassinate King Pyeongwon. On her way to the palace, she saves On Dal's life but does not recognize him, and they go their separate ways. Meanwhile, Go Won Pyo prepares an attack on the King during the farewell ceremony for the late Queen Yeon. On Dal saves Ga Jin and nurses her back to health. While she recuperates, her companions hear about her failed attempt and search for her. When they find her, they remind her of their rule to kill anyone who sees their face or to marry him to make him one of their own. Meanwhile, Go Won Pyo tells his son, Go Geon, to protect the palace.

King Pyeongwon believes he is seeing the ghost of Princess Pyeonggang as she stands in front of him in the flesh. However, Ga Jin escapes with help from Go Geon who she remembers but not without being warned of her fate if she returned as an assassin. Meanwhile, hanging upside down, On Dal waits for her return.

Ga Jin and Dal come to Ghost Valley to live with Lady Sa. They lie to her that they are now married, hiding the fact that they are there to train Dal in swordsmanship. However, Lady Sa has a hard time accepting the princess as her daughter-in-law. Meanwhile, Geon becomes the Crown Prince’s trainer, but the young prince refuses to leave his chambers.

Despite Lady Sa’s anger at Dal’s decision to train in swordsmanship, he is determined to become a general like his father. Soon, his skills surpass the level at which Ga Jin can train him. She suggests that Dal go to study with a new master, and the pair set off to find him. Meanwhile, Mo Yong and the chief of Cheonjubang convince Royal Consort Hyeon to do a ritual.

After saving Ga Jin and Lady Sa by killing the men sent by Go Won Pyo, Dal falls into a state of shock. In order to help him find his path again, Ga Jin speaks to Un Am and Lady Sa about General On’s wishes for Dal. Meanwhile, Geon corners Mo Yong with his knowledge of her identity. Then Mo Yong is asked to carry out a dangerous task by Gochuga.

The Northern Zhou army marches ferociously down south. Bearing his weak body, King Pyeongwon calls upon all tribes to battle. The Sunno Tribe also stands up for war, whereas Gochuga sees this as an opportunity to fulfill his desire. Goguryeo faces a vast danger that will decide the fate of the nation. The only solution is for the five tribes to unite and fight as one.