The territory of the Khan King of Dichi is in the northwest area of the Northern Region grasslands, still some distance away from here. Wang Anfeng, with matters on his mind, after meeting with people like Qu Bihe and Li, did not linger but went directly northward with the group.
Completely different from the Golden Tent King, the Khan King of Dichi has a lavish nature and a fondness for women, leaving behind many offspring, with more than ten of his sons having reached adulthood.
Besides that, he has brothers, family kin, and in-laws. Previously, when he was in his prime, he truly possessed the aura of a formidable hero. His iron-willed temperament was enough to firmly suppress everyone's ambitions. Now, with this Khan ruler who once commanded the Iron Cavalry of Dichi dead early, given the Xiongnu Tribe's thirst for power on the grasslands, that place must be brewing a storm, ready to erupt into conflict at any time.
Wang Anfeng had no regrets about this.
However, the vast wealth acquired by the Khan King of Dichi from the Great Wilderness Stronghold, the mobilization of such immense resources, and various matters surely won't be personally handled by him in every detail; there must be confidants who are aware, and at this time, those knowledgeable will definitely start seeking people to serve them.
It's important to obtain this information before things become even more troublesome.
With this thought in mind, Wang Anfeng mingled with the team of tamed eagle handlers in the Northern Lands. Qu Bihe and Li had already been invited by the youth last time to join his hunting party, which happened to be going north, so there was no need to search for another excuse.
Surrounded by falconers, Wang Anfeng borrowed an instrument made from horse string from a seventeen or eighteen-year-old Cheshi person. Originally played by the youth himself, Wang Anfeng curiously borrowed it to fiddle with.
Tribes primarily herding livestock will invariably use the tail of their steeds to craft musical instruments.
The sound of this instrument is bleak and archaic. Having studied music theory under Jiang Shouyi, despite the different techniques between instruments, the fundamental music theory is essentially the same. Within half a day, he was able to produce quite melodious tunes with this Northern Regions instrument.
On the journey, these rugged men sang along to the tunes, effectively adding a grassland ambiance.
The grasslands are vast, but they rode on horseback at a swift pace. After a few days, they were already approaching the border of the Khan King of Dichi's territory. While resting temporarily, Qu Bihe and Li slaughtered a sheep and cut the meat to prepare a meal. The youth, younger than Wang Anfeng, was pestering him for a musical duel.
Looking at the sky, Wang Anfeng sat cross-legged on the soft grass, accepting this non-competitive competition.
The hunters around them fell silent, listening to their musical duel.
The majestic, unrestrained tunes echoed across the grassland, between Heaven and Earth, captivating those audacious and unruly men who took the sky and earth as their coverlet. Even the eagles in the sky folded their wings; however, even Qu Bihe and Li's most splendid flying eagle was unwilling to get too close to Wang Anfeng.
The flying eagle perched on Qu Bihe and Li's shoulder, tilting its head to gaze at the center of the grassland.
Wearing a blue Xiongnu robe, the young man with a black horse tail tied up, sat cross-legged on the soft, expansive grassland, drawing the ancient strings of an instrument. The melody swirled between Heaven and Earth. He closed his eyes, a gentle yet powerful smile on his lips, resembling a lion.
Qu Bihe and Li contemplated.
The person in his memory was still a seemingly young lad.
At that time, Qu Bihe and Li didn't know that the one who saved him was Tuoba Yue's old friend. Wang Anfeng had disguised himself as a middle-aged martial artist; the truth was known during Wang Anfeng's two years in secluded refinement. This didn't affect his gratitude towards Wang Anfeng.
If not for him, he might have already perished in distant Great Qin.
Perished at the hands of slave traders.
He wasn't afraid to die; he just felt such a death had no worth.
Things are much better now.
The flying eagle on his shoulder tilted its head, suddenly spread its wings, and soared into the sky. Qu Bihe and Li snapped out of his reverie, grasping his strong bow, keenly observing the direction the eagle circled, and then relaxed.
A few hundred riders in that direction had already noticed them and were heading this way.
Among the leaders were several unfamiliar faces, including Helian Pan, the Xiongnu noble who had clashed with Wang Anfeng a few days ago. From afar, he laughed loudly:
"Qu Bihe and Li, this is truly good fortune, haha." Thıs text ıs hosted at NovєlFіre.net
"Initially, I was wondering if I could meet you before the grand banquet. I didn't expect to run into you here. How have you been these few days?"
Qu Bihe and Li lowered his bow and arrows, responding respectfully.
The few riders approached, as Helian Pan glanced at Wang Anfeng sitting on the grass and amiably said, "Originally, the hunt was set for a few days later, but it's been moved up to tomorrow. It's truly perfect for you to come today."
Qu Bihe and Li was a bit surprised, saying: "Moved up so much?"
Helian Pan casually replied:
"Originally, the date was set by the Left Martial Great General. This time, it's due to Sang Pengze; he felt the timing wasn't great. In addition, Princess Consort Ruyu also felt it better done a few days earlier. The subsequent days are planned for praying to Heaven for the Khan King, so advancing it by a few days is no big deal."
These were just casually spoken words, but the hidden implications were enough to make those aware shudder with unease.