This chapter opens with a description of a rare black gold that the blacksmiths in the godsmith's guild have been unable to obtain. The blacksmith explains how he obtained the black gold, which he calls "xuan-ming black gold." He tells the boy that he is giving the gold to him for free, and that he wants to become a "sworn brother" with the boy. The two men discuss who will become the older brother, and the boy says that he will be the one with the more money. The older brother has more seniority, so the younger brother will have the upper hand. This is a ceremony of "swearing brotherhood" that the two men are taking part in.