An unwashed seventeen-year-old boy knocked on my door at dawn. "I want a weapon," he said. "It must be white, …
An unwashed seventeen-year-old boy knocked on my door at dawn. "I want a weapon," he said. "It must be white, white as snow falling from the sky. And black, black as obsidian in the mountains. It must be a divine weapon, capable of slaying a white serpent three stories tall."
You fool! Where in Liangzhou would you find such a huge white serpent?
The boy raised an eyebrow. "I dreamed of it. It will come someday. Before it does, you must forge the blade to slay it. It's a horizontal saber with an exquisite ring pommel and a straight blade. I will use it as my sharp weapon to cut down all foes in my path."
You have quite a unique vision. But a special heng blade, if you want it, you shall have it.
I handed the saber to the boy. He stroked the pitch-black ring pommel, its blade reflected the dawn light onto my face, cutting through Liangzhou's bitter wind.
"This weapon breaks the dawn and slays the white serpent, let it be called Palebreak."
I stared at Palebreak. "If ever... you get a better sword, remember to return Palebreak to me. It is my proudest creation."
The boy patted my shoulder with the back of the saber. "If Palebreak breaks, I will come back to you. As long as you live, it will always be the best sword."