Chapter 54: The Alliance (VIII)

When Zhibi Luoluo and Zhibi Sili suddenly appeared among the thousand and more Yue tents, and his old friend Gaida Wutou, together with his own son, betrayed the Nine Tribes to join the Turkic Wolf Riders, Luodun had not yet felt such despair. But when Gaida Heiguo called out and Lianghaitie responded, Luodun felt his heart twist, icy coldness seeping from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet.

Ten years ago, Luodun’s beloved son died young. Lietie, then, was merely a stable boy who fed the horses and carried weapons for his late son, alone in the tribe, without support. Luodun transferred all the affection he had for his son onto Lietie, nurturing and honing him without reservation, finally bestowing upon him the position of Agian in the Lianghaitie tribe, and preparing to hand over the chieftainship to him upon his own death.

Over the years, Lietie managed all affairs of the Lianghaitie tribe with order and diligence, winning the hearts of the people, while Luodun spent his days in leisure. Though he lavished praise on his old friend's grandson for his exceptional talents, in his heart, Luodun was proud of Lietie, believing his own efforts in nurturing the next generation were no less than Xu Gan’s.

In Luodun’s heart, Lietie was not much different from his own son.

But now, it was Lietie who had betrayed him.

Luodun felt a suffocating pressure in his chest, the world darkening before his eyes, almost unable to stand. Bu Li, sensitive to Luodun’s distress, quickly stepped back and supported him, glaring hatefully at Lietie.

Even the young wolf girl, despite her simple mind, noticed that Lietie, who had always looked down on her, was no longer standing with her grandfather.

Though surrounded by enemies, the wolf girl felt no fear, only pondering how to get her grandfather out of the great tent of the Yue tribe.

If Xu Le were here, facing a tent full of foes, he would not feel the slightest fear. The difference between him and the wolf girl was that Xu Le’s courage stemmed from his skill, while the wolf girl simply could not grasp the peril.

Luodun wavered in the tent, while Lietie stood strong and broad-shouldered, embodying the rugged resolve of the steppe men. Even Zhibi Luoluo, accustomed to great scenes, could not help but appreciate Lietie, thinking he would be worth cultivating under the Blue Wolf Banner of the Zhibi tribe.

Luodun drew a deep breath, steadying himself. At this point, he no longer cared to question Lietie; even asking for an explanation would be an insult to himself.

Luodun remained silent, but Lietie spoke first, bowing respectfully to Luodun. “Chieftain, do not blame me for today’s actions. The Lianghaitie tribe, secluded in the Yin Mountains, can we really rely on hunting snow foxes to keep our people safe? Even the Yue tribe feels their days are numbered; how can the much weaker Lianghaitie tribe be an exception? The world is on the brink of change, the Turkic Wolf Riders are about to sweep south, vying for the Central Plains, and the Han people are fractured and divided, unable to block us steppe tribes any longer. After centuries, the tribes of the steppe will once again dominate the Central Plains! At such a time, the path is clear, is it not?”

Lietie pointed to the noblemen of the various tribes, sitting with bowed heads in the tent.

“The Duluo tribe met with old King Wutou even before the autumn gathering in Yunzhong. The Maonü Guizi tribe’s old chieftain has just passed, and the young chieftain is close friends with Prince Heiguo. The Wudi Mu tribe and Kaidao tribe, their Agian have already pledged allegiance to Prince Heiguo. The rest, from nobles to retainers, are now under control... Old chieftain, the situation is lost. The Nine Tribes must submit to the Blue Wolf Banner of the Zhibi tribe. If you surrender, you may enjoy your old age in peace... If ever I show the slightest disrespect to you, let the wolves of the steppe devour me, never to be reborn!”

Lietie spoke with confidence and clarity. Even Zhibi Sili, who seemed somewhat distracted, was impressed, nodding slightly, thinking that there was indeed talent among the Nine Tribes, who could become future allies of the Zhibi tribe.

Luodun looked at Lietie calmly, then laughed. “You want me, an old man, to admit defeat and be kept by you as a decoration, while thousands of Lianghaitie tribesmen die for the Turks, their bones paving your road to glory beneath the Wolf Riders?”

The atmosphere in the tent immediately tightened; none expected Luodun to be so fierce, refusing to bow even now!

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Within the Xu family’s courtyard, Xu Gan awoke from his sleep.

Han Xiaoliu was simmering medicine under the corridor. Hearing Xu Gan stir, he hurried to check on him.

Xu Gan struggled to sit up from his couch, his white hair disheveled, his age showing plainly.

When Xu Le departed, Xu Gan, though impaired by a stroke, still appeared vigorous. But as days passed after Xu Le left, Xu Gan visibly aged with startling speed.

After letting Xu Le fly free from under his wing, it seemed the pillar of Xu Gan’s heart was removed. The meaning of his life had faded, leaving little behind.

Han Xiaoliu’s face was smudged with soot from the firewood, his white teeth flashing as he smiled at the old master. “Grandpa, you’re awake! The medicine is almost ready. My mother told me to make sure you take it as soon as you wake up.”

Xu Gan seemed dazed.

His recent nap brought a parade of bizarre, vivid dreams.

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Once, under the grand banner of Northern Zhou, he had felt limitless glory. The thrill of gaining his beloved son, the night of the palace upheaval eighteen years ago, when he carried Xu Le and fought through the gates of Chang’an.

Even ten years ago, he still harbored ambition, forging friendships on the steppe, hoping to accomplish something, to gather strength and, when the inevitable change came, restore justice for his son.

But all these, in the end, became blurred, faded dreams as he aged.

We have all grown old. The iron-willed Xu Gan of old is now a bedridden patient. Wutou, Luodun, what have you become?

This is already the world of the young...

Ah Le, Ah Le, your grandfather is no longer able. The road ahead, you must walk on your own...

But Ah Le, your grandfather has always believed in you, the most outstanding among the young generation. No fate can stop you. Continue to astonish these so-called heroes of the world.

Let them see what kind of remarkable grandson this outdated old Xu Gan has raised!

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Through the hubbub, Luodun merely cast a contemptuous glance at Lietie and said to Bu Li, “Don’t mind me. Break out and find Xu Le! Have him come to save me!”

At that moment, Zhibi Luoluo sprang up, roaring, “Enough talk! Seize Luodun!”