Liu Bugun slowed his horse, gradually approaching. Among the troops, a man of exceptional bearing stood out, and upon seeing him, Liu Bugun was overjoyed because this man was none other than his comrade-in-arms, the deputy commander Zhao Kuangyin. Liu Bugun and Xu Caitong rode out from the bushes towards him. Zhao Kuangyin, startled by a horse suddenly emerging from the grass and charging towards him, gripped his weapon, ready for combat. However, seeing that it was the long-missed Marshal Liu Bugun, he relaxed his guard, rode forward, and greeted him with a bow. “Marshal Liu, how have you been?” Zhao Kuangyin asked. Liu Bugun quickly returned the gesture, saying, “I’ve been away from the army for some time, no longer a marshal, General Zhao, there’s no need for such formalities.”
After the death of Guo Wei, his nephew Chai Rong ascended the throne, known as Emperor Shizong of Zhou. Shizong was adept at military strategy and sent Zhao Kuangyin north to Youzhou, where they camped for rest after traveling day and night. Zhao Kuangyin invited Liu Bugun into the central tent, where Liu Bugun had just sat down when Zhao Kuangyin knelt and bowed. Liu Bugun was greatly surprised, helping Zhao Kuangyin up, who then asked Liu Bugun to lead the three armies again, an offer Liu Bugun firmly declined. “Bring the wine,” Zhao Kuangyin commanded loudly when he saw Liu Bugun’s refusal. A soldier brought in a jar of fine wine, and the two men drank and talked in the tent.
Suddenly, Zhao Kuangyin changed the subject to the Mo Ye Sword. “Do you know of the Mo Ye Sword?” Liu Bugun was startled. “Legend has it that the Mo Ye Sword is the sword of kings, wielded by Mo Ye during the creation of heaven and earth. Whoever obtains this sword can unify the world.” “Isn’t that an exaggeration? Can a sword truly have such magical power?” Liu Bugun asked lightly. “Think about it, Mo Ye created the world with just a sword in hand,” Zhao Kuangyin raised his cup, toasting Liu Bugun. “The Mo Ye Sword isn’t just any ordinary sword; in the hands of those with ill intentions, it brings endless calamity. Even for a righteous person, it’s just a sword, not necessarily capable of unifying the world,” Liu Bugun responded, downing his cup.
