As the sun set behind the mountains, the sky turned a deep blue-black.

The stars emerged, and there was no cloud; the view was completely transparent.

A wind blows from afar, crossing the mountains and sweeping across the grasslands.

On the battlefield after the battle, there was a mist of blood flying around.

Amidst the blood mist, spears and halberds lay scattered among the mountains of corpses, with severed limbs and bodies hanging from the spears.

Some people stare wide-eyed at the sky, dying with their eyes wide open, as if blaming God for injustice.

Some people turned to the side, seemingly gazing at the eastern sky, as if calling out their child's name.

In other places, there was only rotten meat, and occasionally half a head could be seen in the meat.

The cold wind blew by, like the weeping of departed spirits unwilling to leave.

This is the real battlefield, where countless people fight each other with their flesh and blood amidst swords and spears.

Death is the most normal thing.

Seeing those young people who died in battle, Zhao Huan sometimes felt a pang of guilt.

They are all flesh-and-blood people, born of parents and raised bowls of rice.

But now, they are buried here, and they must be buried here.

This feeling of guilt was fleeting.

There's nothing we can do.

Without war, where would peace and prosperity come from?

Those young people who live in Tokyo, study at school, enjoy flowers in the afternoon, and go on dates in the evening.

The world is not without war, but war is kept at bay by these soldiers who are buried far from home.

Countless more heroic souls have been added to the Martyrs' Shrine.

Zhao Huan glanced back and then issued the order to encircle and annihilate the defeated army.

The sounds of war faded into the distance, but they were not over.

About an hour later, the leader of the Karluks, Aiyar, was brought before Zhao Huan.

Ayar prostrated himself on the ground and said, "Paying homage to the revered Heavenly Khan."

Someone nearby who spoke Turkic translated the meaning of Aiyar.

Zhao Huan feigned confusion and asked, "Why do you address me as Heavenly Khan?"

Ayar trembled as he said, "It was passed down from our ancestors that His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty in the East was the Heavenly Khan."

Zhao Huan knew he was referring to Li Shimin, who was once revered as the Heavenly Khan by all.

It seems these Karluks haven't forgotten that there was a China in the East, nor have they forgotten the power of the Tang Dynasty.

But his willingness to pledge allegiance to Yelü Dashi also shows that China had long been considered a lost civilization in their hearts.

The glory of the Tang Dynasty was four or five hundred years ago.

"Do you know the purpose of my western expedition against Liao?"

"We do not know where the Heavenly Khan's divine troops have gone. Please enlighten us, Heavenly Khan."

Zhao Huan's voice was deep: "I am here to punish Yelü Dashi. How dare you side with Yelü Dashi, aid and abet tyranny, and obstruct me!"

Aiyar's mind raced, and he immediately knelt down in a show of fear and trepidation, saying, "Heavenly Khan, please forgive us. We were deceived by Yelü Dashi, which is why we committed such a rebellious act. Now that we have seen through Yelü Dashi's ugly face, we will definitely repent and follow the Heavenly Khan's lead."

Zhao Huan didn't believe the Karluks. They could change their minds faster than flipping through a book. Back then, they sold Gao Xianzhi in Talas without even blinking an eye.

Seeing the murderous intent in the emperor's eyes, the supervising officer Duan Zhijie said, "Your Majesty, I believe they still have value to be used."

"Oh, tell me, what other value do they have?"

Duan Zhijie said, "As they said, they joined Yelü Dashi because Yelü Dashi defeated the army of the Abbasid Caliphate in the Battle of Kavant. They believed that the Khitan were the most powerful in the world, so they all joined Yelü Dashi."

"But if we let them spread the news of today's battle in the Seven Rivers region, it will surely let all the countries know the true strength of the Khitan, which will be beneficial to our Great Song."

Zhao Huan was silent for a moment before saying, "No need. I don't want to send another soldier to the enemy. Only the dead will lie still and obediently."

"Your Majesty, the best strategy is to subdue the enemy without fighting."

"Only by exterminating them completely can we ensure peace for future generations."

"His Majesty……"

"There's no need to elaborate on this matter."

Seeing that the emperor was so insistent, Duan Zhijie dared not continue speaking.

He also planned to take the opportunity to protect Aiyar and win him over, so that after the royal army occupied the Seven Rivers region, Aiyar would become his representative in the Seven Rivers region.

But now that the emperor was filled with murderous intent, he dared not walk into the line of fire again.

Aiyar noticed that the Khan and a high-ranking official seemed to be arguing about something, which puzzled him.

Seeing that the Khan's expression had softened and his tone seemed gentle, Aiyar felt slightly relieved.

It seems that my life is not in danger. If I am more sincere and show more loyalty, I might be given an important position.

Of course, this kind of opportunity is useless.

The Chinese victory was only temporary. You should know that even Sanjar, who was known as the King of Kings, was defeated.

I should behave myself for now, and make a quick getaway when I get the chance.

Chinese people are relatively easy to fool; they'll believe you after just a few words.

Hahaha!

Thinking about this, Aiyar felt a little excited!

He quickly adjusted his facial muscles, relaxed his expression, and adopted a loyal and righteous demeanor. He lay on all fours on the ground and shouted, "Respected Heavenly Khan, I, Aiyar, the leader of the Karluk tribe, swear to the gods today that I will only serve the Heavenly Khan and become his most loyal warrior. If the Heavenly Khan commands me to go east, I will never dare to go west. My life was given to me by the Heavenly Khan."

Zhao Huan looked at the interpreter beside him and asked with a smile, "What did he say?"

The translator translated it accurately.

Zhao Huan was immediately delighted and said, "Good! You are indeed a brave warrior!"

The translator translated it accurately, and Ayal was overjoyed.

His life was definitely saved, and then a series of images flashed through his mind.

He quickly went through the escape plan.

Or rather, he went over the plan of how to trick Zhao Huan into Yelü Dashi's encirclement.

Then I started to admire my own intelligence and felt like I was a genius.

I wish I could kneel down and kowtow to myself right now.

He couldn't help but touch his head, thinking to himself: How can I be so smart!

Zhao Huan laughed and said, "Men, drag him away and behead him. Display his head to the entire army to boost our morale."

When Zhao Huan spoke so boldly to everyone, Aiyar thought that Zhao Huan was praising him in front of everyone.

His smile blossomed like a flower in full bloom, and he couldn't have been happier.

Seeing Aiyar smiling so happily, Zhao Huan also smiled.

Seeing the emperor smile, everyone else laughed too.

Two sturdy soldiers stepped forward and grabbed Ayar.

Aiyar paused slightly, his smile vanishing instantly, and asked in confusion, "What's going on here...?"

Is this a custom of etiquette among the Chinese people?

It must be!

Huh? Why are you using a rope to help me?

Could it be... that they like using ropes...?

Ayar was quickly bound hand and foot, dragged several meters away, and had his head pressed against a stone.

He then realized what was happening and immediately let out a miserable bray, like a donkey.