Xun Shu stood at the center of a round-shaped platform. Atop the platform rested what seemed like a golden foundry table. Curls of black flames rose from the table. Something golden shimmered faintly within the flames.
They walked up to take a closer look. An image of a sword floated within the light, undulating like ripples of water. Xun Shu, who was standing beside it, looked stunned. In utter disbelief, he muttered, "How can this be, how can this be?" Stepping back in disappointment, he smiled and said mockingly to himself, "No wonder… no wonder our ancestors said no one could possess this sword. Now I understand why."
Lonemoon glanced at the sword image in the flames. Suddenly a thought struck him. Frowning, he asked Xun Shu, "Is this… the Six-Joint Mystics Sword?"
Xun Shu stiffened. Clenching his hands, he nodded slowly.
"Then how can it be…" The sword in the flames was clearly only a mirage!