190

The Road to Shu

From his name alone, Tie Han appeared as a burly man with a straightforward demeanor. Forseti paid him no mind and turned away.

"You cowardly rat!" Tie Han felt insulted, his face flushed with anger. He lunged forward, aiming to grab Forseti's shoulder.

What happened next surprised them both.

Tie Han exerted his strength, expecting to easily overpower Forseti, but Forseti merely swayed.

Forseti, too, was impressed by Tie Han's formidable strength.

Tie Han, not angered but amused, chuckled. "Haha, you've got some skills. Care to challenge me?"

Forseti replied coolly, "Are all people from Shu this rude?"

Turning a simple arm-wrestling challenge into a matter of national pride was a bit much for everyone.

The surrounding Qin locals murmured their agreement. "Exactly, others decline, and he insists. How uncouth."

"Aren't you a personal guard of the King of Shu? Shouldn't you behave with more decorum when visiting Qin?"

"Shu's isolation is evident. While recognized by the Zhou Emperor, it's distant from the central states like Qi, Chu, Qin, Yan, Zhao, Wei, and Han."

Tie Han blushed at the remarks, veins bulging on his forehead. He grunted, released Forseti's shoulder, and returned to his spot. "Anyone else dares challenge me?"

Four imposing figures approached from a distance, dressed distinctively from the Qin locals.

"Brother, business calls. Let's move," Tie Han sighed reluctantly, nodding at the four as they departed.

The onlookers dispersed, discussing Tie Han's display.

Forseti continued through Xianyang, eventually reaching the marketplace to procure some Qin specialties.

"Is this silk?" he inquired at a fabric shop, pointing to a vibrant piece on display.

"Yes, sir. Interested in purchasing?" the shopkeeper replied with a smile.

"Bring me your finest silk."

"Certainly, sir." After a brief wait, the shopkeeper returned with a roll of brightly colored silk. "This is our finest Qin silk."

Forseti examined the fabric, noting its delicate texture and rich hues. He made the purchase and asked, "You claim this is the best in Qin. How does it compare to the silk of Shu?"

"The silk of Shu is renowned," the shopkeeper boasted. "Chen Cong, the founder of Shu, was a silk deity. His methods of silkworm cultivation and weaving remain unrivaled."

...

While other mages from the Supreme Sanctuary set off to locate the next sanctuary, Agamotto remained in Xianyang, seemingly waiting for something auspicious.

Several days passed as Forseti lingered in Xianyang. Upon returning from a teleportation, he spotted Agamotto conversing with a disciple of the Mo family.

"Xiang Ligeng, you mentioned Qin is sending five beauties to the King of Shu?" Agamotto inquired.

"Yes, I lead the delegation departing the day after tomorrow," Xiang Ligeng affirmed, sighing. "While past Shu kings ruled diligently, the current one indulges, dispatching ladies in this manner. It won't be long before Shu becomes part of Qin."

"I intend to visit Shu. I'll accompany you," Agamotto decided.

After a moment's thought, Xiang Ligeng consented. "Very well. Safety in numbers."

Once Xiang Ligeng departed, Forseti approached. "Agamotto, why journey to Shu? Seeking to establish a sanctuary there?"

"Not entirely clear, but I've seen signs in my dreams. This journey is imperative," Agamotto revealed.

"Is this what you were waiting for?"

"Indeed."

Two days later, Agamotto summoned Forseti and Diops. The trio bid farewell to the Mo family's elder and arrived at Xianyang's southern gate.

Awaiting them was Xiang Ligeng's entourage, five carriages flanked by three cavalrymen each, Xiang Ligeng leading on horseback.

"It's you!"

A voice exclaimed. Forseti turned to find Tie Han, the man from Xianyang.

Pointing at Forseti, Tie Han sneered, "Back to challenge me?"

Xiang Ligeng intervened, slightly surprised. "Brother Tie Han, these are my friends, en route to Shu."

Tie Han frowned.

Xiang Ligeng offered horses, but Agamotto mounted while Forseti and Diops declined politely.

They knew ordinary horses couldn't bear Aesir weight, preferring to walk.

"We'll walk," Forseti stated.

This refusal irked Tie Han, who mistook it as a challenge. He dismounted abruptly. "I don't need a horse!"

Forseti sighed inwardly, wondering how his visit to Qin had led to this encounter with this stubborn Tie Han.

Xiang Ligeng, familiar with Tie Han's temperament and strength, didn't try to persuade him. "Let's proceed!"

The group set off towards the southwestern Shu Kingdom, traveling from Xianyang to Shu's mountainous terrain.

Tie Han, though competitive and headstrong, proved his endurance and strength over the long journey.

The trip was mostly uneventful, save for occasional wildlife encounters and bandit skirmishes, easily handled by Tie Han.

However, Forseti and Diops remained unperturbed, much to Tie Han's frustration.

As they covered about 800 miles, nearing Shu's borders, the terrain became rugged.

While Forseti, Xiang Ligeng, and the others adapted, the ordinary soldiers escorting five young women destined for Shu slowed progress.

Eventually, they reached a narrow, winding mountain path.

"This trail's too narrow for horses. Once we cross this mountain, the path improves. We'll go on foot," Xiang Ligeng directed, dismounting.

Knights and women emerged from carriages, preparing to traverse the path.

Xiang Ligeng handed them a long rope. "Hold onto this. If anyone slips, the knights will pull them back up."

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