Chapter 123: Offering the Pegasus

The nanmu wood transformed into a blade, emitting a bone-chilling, cold light. Luo Gan found that even just staring at the radiance required immense mental effort.

The light flickered incessantly as the flames gradually vanished, revealing a gleaming cold sword. Luo Gan held it in his hands and used the system to analyze what kind of legendary weapon this might be.

"Chixiao Sword, Grade E, No Attribute. Born in the frozen lands of the North, forged from nanmu wood and iron. Useful for self-defense and killing in emergencies, otherwise completely useless."

The description was concise to the point of helplessness. Looking at the sword, Luo Gan opened his memory system; the Chixiao Sword felt worlds apart from his expectations, both in appearance and substance. Was this merely a weapon trial version, while the real one was the official release? Or was this the gear for a free-to-play player, whereas the legendary version belonged to a "pay-to-win" player?

The flashing did not stop. Luo Gan thought it was not all bad; at least he had obtained a sword that could double as a lightbulb. The path ahead was pitch black, so he decided to let this sword illuminate his way. With that, Luo Gan stopped caring about the sword's origin or whether its nature defied science.

***

Xiao Zhi presented the carved wooden flying horse to the Duke of Ju, his heart filled with trepidation. Honestly, he had arrived brimming with confidence, hoping to gain the Duke's approval, but once he stood before a man who had spent years in military service, he began to doubt the appropriateness of his gift.

"I wish to offer this wooden flying horse to the Duke of Ju," Xiao Zhi said.

Tang Jian, the Duke of Ju, remained expressionless as he took the carving and examined it closely. Xiao Zhi had already prepared for countless outcomes; if the Duke was dissatisfied, he would simply leave.

"Where did this carving come from? The craftsmanship of the Turks is truly ingenious," Tang Jian remarked.

Hearing the praise, Xiao Zhi breathed a sigh of relief. "In reply to the Duke, this is merely my own humble handiwork."

Tang Jian was astonished. He had not looked too carefully at first, but now he scrutinized it, discovering that everything from the horse’s posture and form to the tiny hooves—and even the individual hairs—was rendered with vivid detail. It would be impossible to believe this wasn't the work of a master craftsman with years of experience. Yet, throughout the vast lands of the Great Tang, he had never seen such an imaginative piece of art.

"Incredible! This object is no common trinket."

Encouraged, Xiao Zhi felt his efforts were fulfilled. Tang Jian re-evaluated the young man before him. Disheveled and frail, he clearly lacked the constitution for a military career, but to waste such god-like craftsmanship would be a tragedy. The discovery of such a talent in the Tang Empire delighted him.

"I accept this treasure. Since there is always a trade-off, is there something you need me to do?" Tang Jian’s smile faded. "We are all mortals; you must have a request of me."

Xiao Zhi was stunned. He was not well-versed in social nuances and often acted without foresight. Luo Gan had only told him to present the carving to the Duke, without specifying a request, leaving Xiao Zhi in an awkward position. He had no desire for anything, but to say so might seem disingenuous. The situation left both the Duke and himself feeling somewhat uneasy.

"I... I truly have nothing I want at the moment."

***

More surprising than the wooden horse was the mindset of the man before him. A mortal must have a desire, but what did this young man actually want?

"Do you seek wealth? A gentleman prizes wealth, but acquires it through proper means. Desire is not shameful."

Xiao Zhi shook his head.

"A woman?"

Xiao Zhi shook his head again, appearing entirely devoid of ulterior motives.

The Duke of Ju was even more perplexed. For himself, wealth and women were things he had once deeply craved. However, once he attained high office, he found he was less happy than during his days in the military. Locked in the cage of power, his every move was under intense surveillance and constraint, leaving him unable to act as he pleased.

"I understand," Tang Jian said.

Though Tang Jian claimed to understand, Xiao Zhi remained completely bewildered.

Back on Luo Gan's side, he was still at a loss when Xiao Zhi returned.

"You're back? What did the Duke of Ju say?" Luo Gan asked.

"He was very satisfied, but his words were cryptic—something about 'assistance' or the like," Xiao Zhi replied.

Luo Gan realized then that Xiao Zhi was not adept at these matters and did not understand the purpose of the gift.

"Never mind," Luo Gan said. "Since the Duke accepted it, things will be much easier for you in the future."

"What things?" Xiao Zhi asked.

Luo Gan patted his shoulder. "Xiao Zhi, you are destined to be a craftsman—a legendary one."

Xiao Zhi felt unworthy. "Brother Luo, you think too highly of me. I only know some trivial woodcarving; I have no real skill and offer no help to the Great Tang. What use could I possibly be?"

In the current era, there was little demand for woodcarving; it was merely a form of entertainment, and its dismissal was expected. But in Luo Gan’s mind, securing the Duke’s approval was a way to ensure Xiao Zhi’s survival in society.

Luo Gan stepped aside, and Xiao Zhi finally noticed the sword resting nearby, its cold, flickering light impossible to look at directly.

***

"What is going on? What is shining inside the tent?" Xiao Zhi asked.

"It’s the sword I just forged," Luo Gan replied. "I don't know why it won't stop glowing."

"Isn't that good? Whoever you try to cut won't be able to see anything!"

"They can't see, but neither can I! And in the pitch black, won't I just be a target holding this glowing sword? A single arrow would end it all, wouldn't it?"

"Why don't I make a scabbard for you?" Xiao Zhi suggested. "It can cover the light when not in use, and you can draw it in a critical moment to save your life!"

Making a scabbard for the Chixiao Sword was an excellent idea, which Luo Gan readily accepted.

Qin Yang and Gelaye returned to the camp and hurried toward Huna Mu’s tent. Huna Mu slapped his thigh in satisfaction, while Tang Jian, standing nearby, nodded to Qin Yang without giving anything away.

"Ambassador of the Tang," Huna Mu said, "it seems the long snow has passed. We can travel together to Jieli Khan."

Tang Jian appeared anxious. "We are already indebted to your hospitality; would it be an inconvenience to have us accompany you further?"

Huna Mu was welcoming. "Not at all. Our nomadic group needs some rest, and now is a good time to head back."

Tang Jian pondered the pros and cons of traveling with these Hu people. While there was safety in numbers, they were unpredictable, and he did not know when they might betray him. Qin Yang was pleased, as more people meant more support, while Gelaye maintained a poker face, revealing neither joy nor sorrow.

"The night is growing late," Huna Mu said. "We shall depart in full force tomorrow."

As Luo Gan waited for Xiao Zhi to craft the scabbard, he found himself with nothing to do and pulled out the letter entrusted to him by the Duke of Song. The road ahead was what mattered most. In any dynasty, the crime of colluding with the enemy was unforgivable. This meant the letter had to be delivered stealthily without a single mistake. The clues indicated that Eastern Turkic territory was an unavoidable destination. He could only hope that this journey to the North would proceed smoothly.