Greed!

"What is the shape of the sword?" Xuan Yuan asked curiously, with Chi You's explanation just now made his curiosity reach the peak of the highest mountain in the world, if you want to compare it.

'You will find out for yourself' Chi You said in his mind 'Obviously you know if you remember the incident when you killed Xuan Lung the Black dragon. That sword can only be found by its owner, you Xuan Yuan' "Now go" Chi You ordered firmly.

"Allow me to go with him, Master" begged Zhi Qiang, who was on his knees pleading.

"If what you're worried about is Xuan Yuan, you can go with him" said Chi You and this time glared at Xuan Yuan. "And you Xuan Yuan, I hope that when we meet again, you can make me proud for raising you."

Xuan Yuan did not say anything, just followed Zhi Qiang bowed his head in respect and walked away. Not even a foot stepped out of the gate, Chi you called out to Zhi Qiang. Xuan Yuan stared at him from his shoulder in silence, and Zhi Qiang gestured him to go first and he himself returned to face Chi You.

The expanse of verdant weeds outside the Banquan Palace. The weather is sunny with the sun shining dimly on the western horizon. The galloping of a pair of horse steps was the only sound. Occasional squeak on a steep road.

"Zhi Qiang, if this sword is the strongest Sword, why not Master Chi You himself who goes and becomes the Master of the Sword" the curiosity that gnawed at his mind finally spilled out.

A long sigh was heard. It took Zhi Qiang a moment to reply. "That news is far from the truth, because no one has seen the sword there yet"

"Then why are we going to the Iceberg if its existence is in doubt?" he wonders why Chi You gave him a task that even it existence is doubtful about. Makes his eyebrows furrow deep.

"Not necessarily, as he has said. Only certain people can see the existence of the Sword, he himself has been there. Iceberg keeps a mystery. There were many people who came there to get the sword, but their efforts were in vain. The mountain is like have a life and keep moving, the direction of the road changes without you knowing it. You are only invited to spend time in circles until night falls. Some could reach the foot of the mountain but neither of them saws the existence of the sword, but he was very sure that the sword was there" Zhi Qiang replied explaining to him.

They entered the steep valleys. The cliffs are towering with little grass sticking out of the green moss. The wind was blowing gently accompanying the reddish twilight that was starting to get dark.

"It's getting dark, we spend the night in that valley," said Zhi Qiang, pointing to a valley at the end of the bend.

The horse's bridle is pulled, the horse's steps stop at the indicated place. Pretty scary valley if you come alone. This has become normal for Zhi Qiang. He knew which one would be a safe haven from the bandits. They rested, lit a fire to warm themselves, and ate dinner.

"You go to sleep, I'll take on guard the night first, I'll wake you later to change guard," said Zhi Qiang.

"Alright," replied Xuan Yuan, as he spread out the bed with the dry grass he found around the valley.

Dark eyes open. The night was still dark when Zhi Qiang woke Xuan Yuan to change his guard time. Zhi Qiang lay down, his eyes closed but he didn't sleep. It was the first night since they left the palace. He just wanted to make sure the night would pass without anything unwanted happening even though this valley was still under Banquan's control.

The morning penetrated the leaves on which the dew formed small grains of golden glare. A ray of light burst from behind the cliff. At least the morning warms their frozen hands and feet.

Zhi Qiang got up reluctantly in the long sleepless night. Breakfast is the same as last night's dinner. Man Tou without contents. Xuan Yuan was busy tidying up the firewood amidst the blazing fire. Make it flare up bigger to boil water. As a warm drink on the cold mornings.

Drinking tea in the morning that is still blanketed in fog, a warmth of course. The aroma of Banquan Country's tea teased the wet nose, brewed by Xuan Yuan.

"I didn't expect you to be good at making tea" said Zhi Qiang in the middle of sipping a sip of hot tea. Feel the aroma that sticks to the base of his tongue, fragrant.

"Haha....it's nothing, this is what I usually do when you go on duty, there's no choice since you've made me addicted to tea in the morning" A faint grin graced Xuan Yuan's face. "The first time you drink tea made by me huh ... " both laughed at each other "But clearly still far less than yours, the aroma is much thicker in the nose". Xuan Yuan said condescendingly.

Bright sky. The sun swept away the fog that blocked the view. long journey ahead. It stretches far, as far as the eye can see. The high slopes are lush green. Covering a stone plain that has stood for thousands of years.

"Come on Xuan Yuan, we have to continue our journey" Zhi Qiang started to pack up his things, ready to go.

"Alright," said Xuan Yuan in high spirits. This journey has its own meaning. The image of a small and charming face filled the space of his mind, ever since Chi You gave him the order. That face that has filled his daily life since two years ago. Starting from opening his eyes in the morning until late at night before going to bed. A face he will never forget. At the end of this journey, he will also meet her.

"Hiahh.... chah..." a crash of the horse's bridle spurred running.

A tiring half day trip. The scorching heat of the sun seemed to gnaw at the deepest skin. Even the steep cliffs reflected light over the creek on the left side of the trail. The stream seemed to be coming from Mount Gangrim. The water is clear, providing views of the riverbed filled with small, colorful stones. Minnows swim from one rock to another. Not only one type of fish, but many kinds of fish swim in the river. Peaceful life is reflected there. They play with each other. Ignoring the different types.

"Ah.... if only this country was as peaceful as the small fish at the bottom of the river. Of course, this country will be full of joy." Xuan Yuan murmured, breaking the silence of the journey.

"Power has become flesh and blood fused to the bone, and it is impossible to remove it from the civilization of this country. What has been planted since our ancestors," said Zhi Qiang bluntly

"Animals can coexist between races, why can't humans live together?" Xuan Yuan disagreed with Zhi Qiang's comment

"As long as greed meets conscience, it won't happen." Zhi Qiang replied patiently.

"Greed!" Xuan Yuan long sighed.

"I think we can rest for a while, especially these horses" Zhi Qiang finally announced its time to rest

"Yeah....they need a break too." Xuan Yuan said instantly, relieved to be able to straighten his tense legs from riding for so long.