"Brother Keluntai? What brings you here?"

Upon seeing Keluntai approaching, the able-bodied men of the tribe gathered around him with surprised expressions.

Keluntai glanced at the enemy commander, and seeing that the other was not paying attention to them, he breathed a sigh of relief, then lowered his voice:

"Brothers, I've come here to tell you something. I need you to be our inside men, to help us reclaim our cattle and sheep..."

Afterwards, Keluntai clearly explained his purpose to the warriors of the tribe.

"Brother Keluntai, is what you're saying true? As long as we surrender to the Han, they'll give us pastures and their own cattle and sheep?"

One of the young men couldn't help but ask, while the others looked at Keluntai with incredulous expressions.

In the past, it was common for tribes to break away from their original groups and seek refuge with new leaders in order to survive.

However, regardless of the leader, they were all the same. Among those noble leaders, there was a set of rules. No one treated these herdsmen as human beings. At most, they would be spared from being slaughtered. As for other treatment, they could not even dream of it.

Keluntai glanced at the crowd and said in a deep voice, "Brothers, would I, Keluntai, lie to you?"

"Brother Keluntai, we are willing to believe you!"

"Yeah, anyway, they're just conscripting us to die, so we might as well fight them!"

The able-bodied men in the tribe also lowered their voices and echoed each other.

Wars on the grasslands often proceed in this manner: first, the able-bodied herders are used to wear down the enemy, and then elite guards are sent out to fight.

If 10,000 people die in a war, the number of ordinary herders would be at least 8,000.

As the number of able-bodied herders who died increased, the corresponding consumption decreased, and the ability of those tribes to resist also decreased, leaving them with no choice but to rely on those noble leaders.

This is an unwritten rule on the grasslands: population reduction.

From the moment these young men were conscripted, their fate was sealed, unless they were able to join the personal guard of the noble chieftain.

But this hope is extremely slim!

Keluntai glanced around at everyone and saw that they were all staring at him with resolute expressions. Then he took out the red ribbons.

"Brothers, tie all of these to your left arms. When our troops arrive, join us in slaughtering those hateful enemies!"

"Okay, we'll do whatever you say!"

The young and strong men nodded heavily.

Soon, everyone had a red ribbon wrapped around their left arm, looking so neat and bright.

"Ha! These ignorant fools, do they really think a tattered rag can protect them?"

Seeing the actions of Keluntai and the others, the junior commander in the distance couldn't help but sneer, his words full of disdain.

After giving his instructions, Keluntai bowed and approached the junior commander.

"Commander, I've already given instructions to the brothers. They must fight bravely against the enemy. When the time comes, please take good care of them and give them more opportunities to make merit so they can receive some rewards!"

"Haha~ Don't worry, I'll definitely take good care of you once we're on the battlefield."

The young commander laughed and agreed to Keluntai's request, but how he would treat him was anyone's guess.

"In that case, I'll take my leave now!"

Keluntai bowed and saluted the other party, then mounted his horse and galloped away.

"Ha~, these fools, they still want rewards?"

Watching Keluntai's departing figure, the young commander couldn't help but sneer.

"Alright, everyone's rested enough, let's continue on our way!"

Seeing the sun already setting in the west, the young commander then led his soldiers, driving the cattle, sheep, and the people of Keluntai, slowly westward.

Fifty miles behind them, Tuolü led his troops slowly forward.

Tuolü, on horseback, would occasionally shade his eyes with his hand and look westward, a hint of worry in his expression.

Chen Qing, who was standing nearby, comforted him, "Brother Tuolu, there's no need to worry too much. I believe Keluntai will be alright!"

Tuolu nodded without speaking, his gaze still fixed on what lay ahead.

Although they hadn't known each other for long, he could tell that Keluntai was a brave, righteous, and upright man, and it would be such a pity if he were to die like this.

Fortunately, not long after, a speeding figure appeared in Tuolü's sight.

Seeing that Keluntai had returned safely, Tuolü relaxed and a smile appeared on his face. He then spurred his horse to go and meet him.

"Great! Brother Keluntai, you're finally back!"

Keluntai laughed and said, "Brother Tuolü, I have finally lived up to your expectations. All the brothers are willing to follow us!"

"Okay, let's talk as we walk!"

Tuolü smiled and nodded, then returned to the group with Keluntai.

After traveling for an hour, the scouts reported that their troops were only about twenty miles away from the enemy.

Tuolu raised his head to look at the setting sun, then turned to Chen Qing beside him and said in a deep voice:

"Judging from the time, Tali and his men should have already arrived at their ambush location. We can move in now and try to annihilate those enemies before sunset!"

Chen Qing nodded: "Alright, then give the order!"

"Full speed ahead!!"

With a loud shout from Tuolü, the previously steady-moving column suddenly sped up and galloped away, the thunderous sound of hooves echoing across the surrounding open grassland.

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