Ling Gabu’s Heroes Begin to Suspect Chaotong

Every morning, the heroes of Ling Gabu gathered at the fragrant assembly square of Datang Chamao. On this day, everyone was present except for Chaotong. The Chief Steward, Rongchacha Gen, addressed the crowd, “Jiacha, Sipan, and all the divine clans! The horses that the Lord of Mayu, Chaotong, brought back this time are completely different from before. These horses have no tails or manes, and their backs are covered in bloody scars. What is going on here? Think about this carefully. You all know what kind of person Chaotong is. We cannot let Ling Gabu’s vast and beautiful lands be ruined because of him!”

Jiacha, sharing the same doubts, suggested sending someone to Hor to investigate. Just as he finished speaking, Chaotong arrived. Before anyone could respond, Chaotong immediately cut in, saying, “Nephew Jiacha, Minister Danma, and I succeeded in raiding the enemy camp. This time, let’s decide who goes by rolling dice. Whoever rolls the smallest number will go.”

The Chief Steward objected, “Sending the one with the smallest number is a bad omen. Instead, the one who rolls the largest number should go—it’s a sign of good fortune and victory.”

The group began arguing over whether the smallest or the largest number should determine who would go. Seeing the debate, the Ling Gabu arbiter, Dapan, proposed a solution. He took out two green-feathered arrows and suggested that the Chief Steward and Chaotong each draw one. Whoever drew the longer arrow would have their suggestion followed.
 
Chaotong Manipulates the Outcome
 
The two uncles glared at each other before drawing arrows from Dapan’s quiver. As the arrows were revealed, everyone sighed and shook their heads in frustration, exclaiming, “How could this happen?!” Chaotong, however, was secretly delighted. With a smug expression, he declared, “Heroes of Ling Gabu, even fate is on my side. My plan will surely lead us to victory. Why are you all standing there? Hurry up and roll the dice so we can deal with the Hor thieves!”
 
The dice were rolled by the Chief Steward’s youngest son, Yuda; Jiacha’s family member, Zhujie; Chaotong’s second son, Ahua; and a young general, Huasaidawa. Chaotong secretly used magic to influence the results, ensuring that Yuda rolled the lowest number. According to the agreement, Yuda had to scout the enemy camp.
 
The Chief Steward, knowing his young son was no match for the Hor Sinba warriors, tried to convince Yuda to break his promise. “You don’t have to go,” he said. “I’d rather face punishment from the tribes than send you to your death.” But Yuda, eager to gain fame and prove himself, refused to listen.
 
The Mediator’s Proposal and Dasa’s Warning
 
The Chief Steward and Yuda argued relentlessly, each standing firm in their position. The others, unable to reach a conclusion, fell silent.
 
At this moment, Suwanachong, the mediator of Ling Gabu, stepped forward and addressed the group:

“Great warriors of Ling Gabu, brave as tigers and leopards! The Chief Steward speaks from the heart—his other children have already given their lives for our nation, and Yuda is his only remaining son. However, Yuda also has a point. Telling him ‘you cannot go’ or ‘you are not allowed to go’ will crush the courage of the young and diminish his spirit. Agreeing to such words would make us cowards like foxes and go against the essence of being a hero.
 
Let me mediate and propose a solution. Yuda will go, but he will be accompanied by Jiacha, Danma, Aba’er Panda, Dongqu Lubudan, Senda, and Chaotong. With the seven heroes of Ling Gabu going together, they will surely strike a heavy blow against the enemy!”
 
The Chief Steward and the heroes of Ling Gabu agreed that Suwanachong’s plan was reasonable. Once everything was prepared, the group set off together.
 
Dasa’s Arrival and Ominous Warning
 
As the seven heroes crossed the Yellow River and passed the foot of the Aga’er Gala Mountain, they approached the Yalasewu Mountain. Suddenly, a young woman named Dasa appeared ahead of them. She rode a white horse named “Bright Moon Swift,” accompanied by a group of maids and attendants.
 
Dasa was the daughter of King Nima Chizong of Dayu Kingdom. Previously, King Gesar had passed through Dayu and been warmly received by her father. Impressed by Dasa’s beauty, Gesar had proposed a marriage between her and Yuda on behalf of Ling Gabu. King Nima Chizong had gladly agreed, feeling honored by the alliance.
 
Dasa, who possessed a gift of foresight, had recently experienced a terrible dream that left her deeply troubled. She rode to the heroes’ camp by the river to warn them. After greeting the heroes and explaining her connection to Yuda, she urgently shared her dream:

“Where are you all heading? Please tell me honestly. Last night, in my dream, I saw six old wolves and one young wolf charging toward a flock of sheep. The old wolves ran in different directions, but the young wolf stumbled and fell off a cliff. It felt just like you—six older heroes and one young hero. I fear this is a bad omen!”
 
Her words cast an ominous shadow, and the group grew uneasy. Jiacha, however, was displeased and said, “King Gesar has already foreseen that we will triumph. That’s why he arranged for Ling Gabu to have a queen and sent you here as a symbol of good fortune. Yet, you, a girl who thinks herself noble and blessed with foresight, speak such inauspicious words the moment you arrive!”
 
Dasa’s Final Plea and Departure
 
Dasa dismounted her white horse, respectfully presenting Jiacha and Yuda with one roll of white silk and eleven gold coins each. She then offered the other heroes one roll of white silk and nine gold coins each as a gesture of respect. Bowing deeply, she addressed Jiacha with sincerity:
 
“Wise Lord Jiacha of Ling Gabu, heartfelt advice is like bitter medicine—it’s hard to swallow, but it can save lives. No matter how unpleasant my words may sound, I must still speak them to your face. My dream last night was deeply ominous, and that’s why I’ve come to warn you.
 
Yuda, if you won’t heed my advice to return home safely, why would I bother traveling to Ling Gabu? A good man has plenty of opportunities to achieve glory. Why insist on setting out under such a bad omen?”
 
The group remained silent after hearing her words, but Yuda was filled with frustration and anger. He furiously shouted at Dasa:

“You little girl! Not only are your words sharp, but your face is thick-skinned too. You haven’t even stepped through your future husband’s door, yet you’re already trying to boss me around. My loving parents didn’t stop me, and the people of Ling Gabu didn’t stop me. Who are you, just a little girl, to block my path? If anything, that dream of yours should come true in Yellow Hor, not here!”
 
Hearing Yuda’s outburst, Dasa sighed deeply. She thought to herself, Perhaps Yuda and I are not fated to be together. What more is there to say? Realizing further words would be futile, Dasa turned and left with her attendants, leaving the seven heroes to continue their journey.