After leaving Turpan, Marco Polo and his companions were greeted by the Mongolian army escort and resumed their journey. The Mongol army always carried a "Pegasus Flag" at the head of the army. The Mongolian people believed that the spirit of Genghis Khan resided in this flag. After passing through the checkpoint, the group was relieved. A peaceful banquet was held at the camp. However, that night, Nicolo was attacked. Someone was trying to steal the sacred oil. The army commander wrapped the jar of sacred oil in the "Pegasus Flag" to protect it.

Three and a half years after leaving Venice, Marco Polo and his entourage finally met face to face with Kublai Khan. They presented him with the promised letter from the Pope and holy oil but were unable to bring along the one hundred Christian wise men. They were curious to know what Kublai Khan thought of them. Next up was the turn of the Indian envoys. They presented him with a gold-painted log, which, depending on the way it was cut, was said to be either an elixir of eternal youth or a deadly poison. Kublai asked for anyone who could tell the difference. While everyone else hesitated, Marco stepped forward.