Chapter 108: Shadow of the Blue Wolf

And while Su Ye returned to Cangzhou under the stars, at the same time on the steppe.

On the distant Northern Frontier, a vast expanse of steppe was divided and governed by the Northern and Southern Xiongnu.

This steppe had lush southern pastures with herds of cattle and sheep, while the northern Gobi was the territory of the Northern Xiongnu's Tiemuzhen.

Tiemuzhen, a warrior whose name thundered across the steppe these past years, had eyes as sharp as a blue wolf and a spirit as tough as the desert.

That year, the leader of the Southern Xiongnu brought a large force of able-bodied men south to raid the grass valleys, seeking to plunder richer resources and land.

The Southern Xiongnu's camp was once left with only the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled, and a handful of guards.

The news reached the northern Gobi, which had by then been renamed the Mongol Northern Xiongnu camp, and a cunning glint flashed in Tiemuzhen's eyes.

At this time Tiemuzhen wore a dark robe embroidered with exquisite patterns, reflecting the Northern Xiongnu's traditional culture and displaying his nobility and glory.

At his waist he wore a sharp curved blade, its edge flashing with cold light, as if it could cleave any obstacle or hardship.

This curved blade was his closest comrade, witnessing his countless glories and victories.

Tiemuzhen's head bore a tall fur cap inlaid with precious gems that glittered with brilliant light.

This cap was not only his symbol, but also the mark of his leadership, representing his authority and status, as well as his loyalty and duty to the Northern Xiongnu.

In the heart of the vast steppe, the Mongol leader Tiemuzhen sat solemnly in the lofty tent.

His gaze was deep and sharp, like stars in the night sky, flashing with wisdom and resolve, his eyes like torches fixed on the south.

He knew the Southern Xiongnu's weakness presented him an excellent opportunity to unify the steppe, and now was the time to act.

Tiemuzhen summoned his four heroes—Bo'erhu, Muhuali, Bo'ershu, Chilaowen—and his four dogs—Subutai, Zhelemie, Zhebie, Hubilai.

These eight warriors were the Northern Xiongnu's finest strength, their talent and loyalty all trusted by Tiemuzhen.

"The southern steppe is time to return to our embrace."

Tiemuzhen's voice was low and powerful, like the north wind over the steppe, harsh and resolute.

His gaze swept over the four heroes and four dogs, as if seeking resonance and determination.

Inside the tent, the atmosphere was solemn and reverent.

Tiemuzhen sat in the seat of honor, his gaze scanning each warrior present, as if judging their resolve and courage.

The four heroes and four dogs stood on either side, their eyes firm and sharp, revealing their loyalty to Tiemuzhen and their eagerness for the impending battle.

"The Southern Xiongnu's southern raid to plunder the grass valleys ended in failure; now they are utterly weak—this is our perfect chance to unite the Northern and Southern Xiongnu."

"I summoned you here to discuss concrete plans."

Tiemuzhen broke the silence first, his voice like the wind over the steppe, low and strong.

Bo'erhu, a valiant warrior of the Northern Xiongnu, was tall and broad-shouldered with a rugged face.

He stepped forward and said in a booming voice, "Great Khan, I am willing to lead my warriors in a charge, to fight for the glory of the Northern Xiongnu!"

"Bo'erhu's bravery is unmatched, but war is not won by force alone. We must devise a careful strategy to ensure success."

Muhuali, the wise and brave hero under Tiemuzhen, also stepped forward, smiled slightly, and took up the conversation.

Bo'ershu, a master archer skilled in horseback shooting, said calmly, "I suggest launching an attack at night, using our mounted archery advantage to catch the Southern Xiongnu off guard."

"I have already sent out several scouting teams deep into Southern Xiongnu territory. We will monitor their movements in real time to provide accurate intelligence for the battle."

Chilaowen, adept at concealment and reconnaissance, also spoke softly.

Tiemuzhen nodded in approval, turning his gaze to the four dogs: "Subutai, Zhelemie, Zhebie, Hubilai, what do you suggest?"

"We should exploit the Southern Xiongnu's internal divisions, weaken their strength, let them exhaust themselves in mutual slaughter, and then we shall reap the benefits."

Subutai snorted coldly.

"Great Khan, with just your command, my cavalry and I will sweep across the steppe like a raging storm, leaving the Southern Xiongnu nowhere to hide."

Zhelemie, a cavalry commander skilled in horsemanship, also looked at Tiemuzhen with heroic fervor.

Tiemuzhen listened to everyone's suggestions, already forming a plan in his mind.

He drew a deep breath and said slowly, "Your suggestions are all good, but we need a comprehensive strategy."

"Muhuali, you will devise a detailed plan."

"Yes, sir!"

Muhuali received the order and departed; the tent fell silent once again.

Tiemuzhen's gaze swept over everyone present, finally resting on the distant horizon.

There, a red sun rose slowly, illuminating the entire steppe.

The next day.

Tiemuzhen summoned the Mongol people; they were the hardiest warriors of the Gobi, each with eyes as cold and resolute as a wolf's.

Tiemuzhen rode his black warhorse, as immovable as a towering peak.

He drew the curved blade at his waist, its edge flashing with cold light, reflecting his deep countenance.

"The southern flocks have no herdsmen; it is time for us to take back what is ours."

Tiemuzhen's voice, as harsh as the north wind, carried to every warrior's ears.

They roared in unison, like wolves on the wilderness, shaking the entire Gobi.

Tiemuzhen looked at the warriors before him, his heart swelling with heroic fervor.

He knew that with these warriors' support and assistance, he could surely achieve the great undertaking of unifying the steppe.

Thus he resolutely drew the curved blade at his waist, raised it overhead, and proclaimed loudly: "March south! Unify the Xiongnu!"

With Tiemuzhen's command, the Mongol army surged like a wind across the steppe, sweeping toward the Southern Xiongnu's camp.

Iron cavalry thundered, banners blotted out the sun, and the wind over the steppe seemed to howl for them.

The four heroes and four dogs led their respective units, following closely, their eyes filled with determination and anticipation.

They crossed the boundless steppe, scaled the perilous mountains, and traversed the rushing rivers.

Bo'erhu's vanguard, like a sharp spear, plunged deep into the heart of Southern Xiongnu territory.

Mu Huaili's stratagems gave the Northern Xiongnu a continual tactical advantage.

Bo Er Shu and Chi Lao Wen's archery skills made the enemy tremble at the wind.

And Si Gou's bravery and cruelty made the Southern Xiongnu's soldiers feel fear.

As the Mongol tribe gradually penetrated the Southern Xiongnu's territory, the Southern Xiongnu's weakness and chaos also gradually came to light.

After the battle at Peaceful Pass, the Southern Xiongnu's soldiers had low morale, the commanders each acted independently, and they could not form an effective resistance.

And Tie Mu Zhen's Mongol iron cavalry surged forward like an unstoppable flood, leaving the Southern Xiongnu's soldiers unable to resist.

There are also two sheets issued around six o'clock.

(End of chapter)