The time and route for the horse race had been decided, and everyone in the Ling tribe now knew about it. But what about Joru, who had been exiled? Steward Wang constantly worried about Joru and his mother, Gyacha often dreamed of meeting his younger brother, and the people of Ling also hoped for their return. K i n g G e s a r of Tibet The Legend from ling King Gesar (about 1038-1119 AD) was a legendary Tibetan hero who was born in Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Later generations called him King Gesar of Ling. According to legend, King Gesar is also the incarnation of the Guru Rinpoche and his wisdom, compassion and power. Chapter 16: The Pearl Maiden Shows Gratitude and Searches for Joru and His Mother, The Divine Son Transforms to Test the Maiden's Hear The Search for Joru and His Mother Begins The time and route for the horse race had been decided, and everyone in the Ling tribe now knew about it. But what about Joru, who had been exiled? Steward Wang constantly worried about Joru and his mother, Gyacha often dreamed of meeting his younger brother, and the people of Ling also hoped for their return. Most importantly, Joru needed to know about the race so he could return, participate, and claim the throne. But who could be sent to deliver this message? Without the right person, Joru and his mother would never return. And if Joru didn’t come back, who could defeat Chao Tong and expose his scheme? The old steward was deeply troubled and couldn’t think of the right person to send. While he was racking his brain, Gyacha and Danma came to see him. The steward thought, “Perhaps they have an idea?” Indeed, Gyacha and Danma had come to offer a suggestion. They said that the only person who could successfully bring Joru and his mother back was Senjang Zumu, the Pearl Maiden. The steward’s eyes lit up with excitement. Why hadn’t he thought of this before? He immediately instructed Gyacha to go to the Jara family and explain the situation to Senjang Zumu. She must be persuaded to invite Joru back. A Plan to Bring Joru Home Gyacha and Danma arrived at the Jara family’s pasture and met Senjang Zumu and her father, Jara Dunba Jianzang. The father and daughter were already talking about the upcoming horse race. Dunba Jianzang said, “Joru and his mother were never in the wrong. They should never have been exiled from Ling. Now, at this critical moment, it is the right time for them to return.” Zumu’s thoughts wandered to the past, and she remembered the role she had played in Joru’s exile. She had once witnessed Joru transforming into a ferocious, man-eating figure and had reported it to Steward Wang. This led to the exile of Joru and his mother. Ever since then, Zumu had felt guilty, regretting her actions. She thought, “If I hadn’t reported what I saw, they would never have been banished. But what’s done is done—nothing can change the past.” She silently prayed, “Steward Wang, please send the right person to bring Joru and his mother back. If Joru doesn’t return, Chao Tong will win the race, and I will have no choice but to marry him. But Chao Tong is despicable—how can I marry such a man?” Zumu, the reincarnation of the White Tara Goddess, was noble, honest, clever, and brave. She was loyal and virtuous, with a strong sense of morality. She was admired throughout Ling for her beauty, intelligence, and kindness. Her slender figure was like a graceful bamboo, her face as radiant as the full moon, and her eyes as clear as crystal water. She was adorned with exquisite jewelry, including amber, turquoise, coral, and sapphire, and wore robes of fine silk trimmed with otter fur. Her every movement exuded grace and elegance, and she was regarded as a flawless gem. Zumu Sets Off for Joru and Faces Challenges Zumu’s hair was parted neatly on both sides, with a phoenix-shaped braid rising in the middle. To keep her thick hair in place, she wore rare amber on the right side, while turquoise and coral ornaments tied her small braids securely. Around her neck, she wore a dazzling cat’s-eye necklace adorned with red coral beads, green turquoise prayer beads, and a ruby-encrusted protection amulet. On her wrist were sapphire bracelets, and her fingers bore golden rings that shone like sunlight. She wore a cloak made of brocade trimmed with otter fur, and her silk boots were embroidered with three rainbows. Zumu’s natural beauty, enhanced by her luxurious attire and radiant jewelry, made her appear more stunning than ever. She outshone blooming lotuses, and even the sun and moon seemed dim in her presence. Her beauty was so captivating that even ascetics might feel desire, and even the King of Hell would submit to her. This is why the Ling tribe had chosen her as the prize for the horse race—her allure was undeniable. For the heroes of Ling, regardless of status or age, the desire to win Zumu far surpassed the desire for the throne or treasures. When Gyacha and Danma arrived, Zumu and her father, Jara Dunba Jianzang, warmly welcomed them. After hearing their purpose, Danma, fearing that Zumu might refuse, brought up the reason for Joru and his mother’s exile, which made Dunba lower his head in silence and left Zumu feeling ashamed. Sensing the awkwardness, Gyacha comforted them, saying: “There’s an old saying: ‘It’s better to give treasures to the river than to let them fall into the hands of enemies.’ At this critical moment in the fight for the throne, we must bring Joru back. He is a saintly warrior and will surely defeat Chao Tong and win the prize. Only then can the people of the Tibetan region be free from disaster, and only then will Zumu find peace of mind. Right now, only Zumu can bring Joru and his mother back—they will trust no one else.” Gyacha’s words made sense, and Dunba nodded repeatedly in agreement. Zumu, deeply moved, looked up at Gyacha and said: “Great hero of Ling, Gyacha, brother of Joru, do you know the pain in my heart? Since the day Joru was exiled, I have known no joy—only sorrow. Even the six holy remedies cannot cure the pain in my heart. If my journey can bring Joru back, I will risk my life to succeed.” Gyacha and Danma were surprised by Zumu’s immediate and heartfelt agreement. They were moved by her sincerity and devotion, and they blessed her, wishing her great success on her journey. The First Test of Zumu's Courage The next day, Zumu, like an angel, rode her beloved horse, Zhomichongru, bringing along the supplies and food she needed for the journey. Alone, she set off for the Mamei region. At the same time, Joru, who was living in Mamei, had a premonition that Zumu would be arriving. He said to his mother, Guomu: "Mother, today Senjang Zumu from the Jara family is coming to our house. I must go meet her." Before his mother could respond, Joru had already vanished. That day, as Zumu rode through the eastern valley of Sunrise Mountain, she found herself in a desolate wilderness. The vast expanse was eerily quiet, and there was no sign of human life. Suddenly, the sky darkened, and Zumu thought the weather was about to change. She urged her horse to move faster. Out of nowhere, a man dressed in black on a black horse appeared, as if he had flown from the heavens or risen from the earth. He held a black spear and blocked her path. The man said nothing but gazed intently at Zumu. He studied her beauty in detail: her delicate body was as graceful as a bamboo reed, her face glowed like the rising moon, her rosy cheeks looked as though they had been painted, and her large, watery eyes stared back at him in terror. Her long, glossy black hair was adorned with amber, turquoise, and coral ornaments. Around her neck hung a necklace of agate beads and a ruby-encrusted protection amulet. Her wrists sparkled with sapphire bracelets, and her fingers wore rings of gleaming gold. Her maroon robe, trimmed with otter fur, and her silk boots, embroidered with rainbow-like patterns, completed her stunning appearance. The man’s face was dark as coal, and his eyes bulged like copper bells. His fierce and terrifying expression made Zumu’s soul nearly leave her body. Yet, to her surprise, the man didn’t attack or say anything; he simply continued to stare at her. It was puzzling. Zumu steadied herself and was just about to speak when the man finally broke the silence: "If you don’t know this place, It is the Jewel Valley of Jiaqing. If you don’t know who I am, I am Bari Nima Genzan, renowned and feared. My left side is iron, my right side is copper, My arms are bronze, my body is steel, my head is gold. I eat the flesh of my enemies as food, Drink their blood as wine, Take their treasures as spoils of war. Whatever I say, I do, Mercy is a concept I do not know. Oh, beautiful maiden, Your figure is as graceful as a celestial goddess, Your adornments sparkle like stars. Wealth and beauty rarely come together, So why are they both found in you? Which noble family do you come from? Which clan is your husband’s? It seems we are destined to meet, Otherwise, why would fate bring us together here? Here are three paths for you to choose: The best option is to become my wife, And keep your precious jewelry with you. The second option is to become my lover, But you must leave your horse and ornaments behind. The worst option is to return home naked. These are your choices. Decide." Hearing these words, Zumu was certain she could not escape. She thought to herself, “How can a virtuous maiden become the wife of a bandit?” She resolved to die rather than submit. Oddly, this thought gave her courage, and she closed her eyes, waiting for the end. However, after some time, nothing happened. When she opened her eyes, the man was still staring at her, motionless. Zumu’s will to live rekindled, and she said to the bandit: "If you want my jewelry, you can have it. If you want my ornaments, take them. But my horse is not yours to take. I cannot be your lover, and I will never be your wife. If you are truly a man of honor, Please show mercy to a helpless woman. I have an important task to complete—I must bring Joru back." As she spoke, tears rolled down her cheeks. Bari Nima Genzan almost laughed out loud. He softened his tone, as though comforting a child, and said: "Alright, alright, I won’t take you away, beautiful maiden. However, you must deliver the treasures you promised me here on the morning of the seventh day. For now, I’ll let you go. But to prove your honesty, you must give me the gold ring on your hand." He then asked her: "You mentioned Joru in your song. Who is this Joru? Is he a beast, or perhaps just livestock?" Zumu replied: "He is a man. The people of Ling mock him, calling him names like 'Joru,' 'Rat-Eater,' 'Sniveling Brat,' and 'Crooked Neck.' He is peculiar—worship him as a god, and he becomes a demon; place him among demons, and he resents the gods. He rejoices when the rich starve and laughs when heroes are bitten by dogs. Though born of noble blood, the son of King Senlun, He has become a beggar by choice, abandoning his fortune. He fights mice for grass and eats ginseng fruit to survive. He is my mission; I am here to bring him back." She then removed her gold ring and handed it to Bari Nima Genzan, agreeing to meet him in the same place seven days later. They parted ways. Encounters with the Handsome Stranger Joru held the gold ring in his hand, thinking to himself: "This is the first meeting gift between me, the Great Lion King Gesar, and Queen Zumu. I must treasure it." Once the black-clad man and his black horse disappeared without a trace, Zumu continued her journey. The sky cleared, and the desolate wilderness vanished. In its place, she saw seven figures atop a sand hill known as the Seven Sand Mountains. After the fright she had just endured, Zumu was overjoyed to finally see people. She urged her horse forward, hoping to meet them. As she approached, she saw seven men and their horses resting. The leader of the group reclined leisurely against a large rock, while the others were busy unpacking supplies, boiling water, and preparing food. Zumu’s eyes fell upon the leader, and she froze in her tracks. He was the most handsome young man she had ever seen. His skin was smooth and fair like the flesh of a conch shell, his cheeks glowed as though brushed with rouge, and his attire was luxurious. His posture was dignified, and he sat there smiling pleasantly, as if he hadn’t noticed Zumu’s presence. Zumu’s heart was captivated by the sight of this beautiful youth. She forgot her purpose, her mission, and even herself. She stood there, staring at him with wide eyes, unable to move or speak. The young man, however, seemed completely oblivious to her. He played idly with a piece of dry grass in his hand and paid no attention to the renowned beauty of Ling who stood before him. After what felt like an eternity, Zumu snapped out of her trance. She felt a wave of humiliation unlike anything she had ever experienced. In this young man’s presence, she felt less significant than the piece of grass he held. Embarrassed, she turned her horse to leave. Just as she was about to go, the young man spoke: "If you don’t know who I am, I am Borga, a minister of Jiaga. I am passing through here on my way to Ling to propose marriage." Hearing these words, Zumu halted. "A marriage proposal? Who is this young man planning to marry?" Her heart raced, and her face flushed. This did not escape Borga’s notice. He said teasingly: "I’ve heard of Senjang Zumu’s beauty, And of Dunba Jianzang’s wealth. I wonder if the rumors are true, And if I might marry her." Hearing this, Zumu’s earlier feelings of inferiority vanished. She touched her coral hair ornament and golden amulet, thinking, "So my reputation has spread even to Jiaga! Even they know of Zumu of Ling. Thankfully, the bandit didn’t take my jewelry earlier—only my gold ring. But that’s no matter." She straightened her posture and lifted her head proudly, listening as the handsome minister continued: "An ideal woman is like a goddess, Blessed with fortune and longevity. An average woman is like the moon, Her favor waxing and waning with power. A lowly woman is like a sharp blade, Skilled in stirring conflict and hatred. An ideal woman is like a good medicine, Beneficial to all who know her. An average woman is like crystal, Her value depends on the circumstances. A lowly woman is like a poisonous flower, Deceitful and unfaithful to her partner. There are more women than grass on the mountains, But a true companion is rarer than gold. I don’t lack gold; I lack a soulmate. Oh, maiden, I have traveled far to this place. Oh, maiden, I don’t want Zumu—I only want you!" Zumu’s Joy and Sorrow Zumu felt both joy and sorrow. She was flattered that her beauty had captivated this proud prince, but she was also disheartened—"Are all men so fickle, falling for one woman after another? He doesn’t even know who I am, yet he’s ready to abandon Zumu for me. What a handsome yet unfaithful man!" Her sadness, however, was quickly overwhelmed by her pride. She could hardly contain herself. Though she tried to hide her delight, her eyes sparkled with affection. She felt proud of her beauty and thrilled by the young man’s admiration. Her restraint melted away, and she smiled openly, saying in a confident tone: "Atop the Seven Sand Mountains of Mamei, Stands a treasure of the white stone cliffs, Known as the magnificent spirit vulture With six full wings—that is me. Midway down the Seven Sand Mountains, Lies a treasure of the snowy peaks, Known as the majestic white lion With a lush green mane—that is me. At the base of the Seven Sand Mountains, Stands the treasure of Ling, Known as the radiant and graceful Zumu, Her youthful beauty gathered in one being—that is me. Swans live in the sacred Mapham Lake, And would never abandon their waters. Minister, if you long for Senjang Zumu, How could you let her go so easily? Zumu has become the prize of Ling’s horse race. Whoever has the swiftest steed may win her hand. If you cannot compete in the race, Even paving the ground with gold won’t win Zumu. Bamboo from the southern forests, Feathers of the white-headed vulture— Their strength depends on the glue binding them, And harmony makes them fit for a quiver. Clear water from the Tibetan highlands, Red flowers from Jiaga’s southern fields— Their fragrance depends on the temperature of the water, And harmony makes them a divine elixir. Minister Borga of Jiaga, If you wish to marry Zumu, You must come to Ling and compete in the horse race. Only the victor may claim me as his bride." Zumu Proves Her Identity After hearing Zumu’s words, the Jiaga minister seemed doubtful that this woman before him was truly the famous Senjang Zumu. He asked suspiciously, "A stranger’s face is unfamiliar. How will you prove that you are Zumu?" Zumu hesitated briefly, then brought out the longevity wine she had prepared for Joru. The bottle was sealed with the wax stamp of the Jara family, making it the perfect proof of her identity. The Jiaga minister saw the wine bottle and said, "I must taste this wine to believe you." To prove her words, Zumu opened the bottle without hesitation. She intended to pour a small amount into a cup for him to taste, but to her surprise, the wine seemed enchanted. It flowed straight into the Jiaga minister’s mouth, leaving not a single drop behind. Zumu was astonished. She had only meant for him to take a sip and then return the bottle, but now it was empty. Was this a sign from the heavens, blessing their union? A Test of Zumu’s Loyalty The Jiaga minister drank the wine, and his cheeks became rosier, his youthful glow even brighter. He looked more handsome than ever. Declaring his intentions, he said, "I must leave immediately to compete in the horse race. I will win—I am certain of it. But I don’t want the throne or wealth; I only want Zumu. Once I win her, I’ll bring her back to Jiaga. The Jiaga palace is far better than anything in Ling." Zumu was enchanted by this beautiful young man. She leaned close to him and whispered sweet words of love. To ensure they would never forget this moment, they carved a mark into a large rock nearby. The minister placed a crystal bracelet on Zumu’s wrist, and Zumu tied a white silk ribbon with nine knots as a keepsake for him. They promised to meet again at the horse race before reluctantly parting ways. What Zumu didn’t know was that the black bandit she had met earlier and the Jiaga minister she had just parted from were both Joru in disguise, testing her faithfulness. And she had fallen for it. Zumu's Shocking Encounter with Joru's Illusions Zumu crossed a small mountain, only to see another one of similar size ahead. What frightened her was the scene on the slope—countless burrows of tailless rats, and in front of each burrow sat a figure that looked exactly like Joru. Terrified by this bizarre sight, Zumu froze, unable to move forward. She hid behind a large boulder to collect herself. After a while, she peeked out and saw that all of Joru's duplicates had vanished. There was now only one Joru, busy skinning a large tailless rat. Gathering her courage, Zumu stepped out from behind the rock and shouted "Joru!" three times. Joru looked at her frightened expression and remembered her affectionate words to the Jiaga minister. He decided to punish her as a lesson. Pretending to mistake her for a ghost, he picked up a stone-throwing device and chanted: "Welcome to Mamei, Where tailless rats run wild. The land belongs to the rats, And the power to demons. Since Joru arrived here, He has ruled the fates of demons. Joru is the sworn enemy of rats, And all ghostly creatures are subdued. Ghost maiden, why have you come to Mamei? I'll knock out your teeth, Rip out your hair, And banish your soul beyond the mountains. Then you'll know Joru's power!" With that, Joru flung a handful of dirt at Zumu. Magically, her teeth fell out, her hair was torn away, and her head became bald and shiny like a brass bowl. Overwhelmed by pain and humiliation, Zumu collapsed onto the ground, crying bitterly. Joru ignored her and walked back home. He told his mother, Guomu, "Mother! Zumu has arrived at our home. She was surrounded by fierce ghosts and demons, but I’ve subdued them all. Now she’s crying by a large rock outside." In reality, Joru had performed this act to cleanse Zumu of any ill fortune and negative energy before welcoming her into their home. But Zumu had no idea and felt deeply wronged. Guomu’s Consolation and Joru’s Plan When Guomu heard that Zumu had arrived, her heart was filled with both joy and concern. Hearing that Zumu was crying, she rushed to her side and found her sobbing uncontrollably. Zumu recounted the hardships she had faced on her journey, including losing her teeth and hair because of Joru. Guomu looked at her pitiful state and felt sympathy for her. She scolded Joru in her heart while comforting Zumu: "My dear child, don’t be sad. Come with me to our home. My mischievous Joru loves to show off his powers. These small injuries are nothing to worry about! I’ll have him restore your beauty, and you’ll look even better than before." Guomu helped Zumu into their home. When Joru saw her, he pretended to be surprised and said: "Oh my! So it was Zumu who came! I thought it was a ghost. How silly of me! But since you’ve come, why didn’t you come straight to the house? Why were you shouting outside so loudly? If you didn’t want to see me, why did you come to Mamei at all? And if you had just said 'I am Zumu,’ none of this would’ve happened!" Zumu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She explained everything, including the command from the royal general to bring Joru and his mother back to Ling for the horse race. She said: "The king ordered General Jacha to find you and your mother to compete in the horse race and win the prize. I traveled all this way without fear of demons or hardship. But you mistook me for a ghost and made me look worse than one! How can I return to Ling now? How can I face anyone?" Hearing this, Joru chuckled to himself. "Return to Ling? She probably just doesn’t want to see that handsome Jiaga minister anymore," Joru Restores Zumu’s Beauty After hearing Zumu’s plea and seeing her pitiful state, Joru couldn’t bear to tease her further. He said seriously, “Restoring your beauty is not difficult, and I can even make you more beautiful than before. However, there’s one thing I need you to do for me first.” “Don’t just say one thing—even if it’s ten or a hundred, I’ll do it!” Zumu was desperate to rid herself of her ghostly appearance. Joru continued, “This task is not easy. I need to participate in the horse race, but I don’t have a suitable horse.” Zumu replied quickly, “That’s not an issue. Your father’s stables have a hundred fine horses. Just pick one!” Joru chuckled and said, “Among my father’s hundred horses, is there any that can rival Choton’s famous Jade Horse?” At this, Zumu hesitated. “Well… no…” Joru smiled. “The horse I need is not among my father’s herd. It’s a one-of-a-kind treasure, a divine steed neither tame nor truly wild. It resides in the herd of a hundred wild horses. Only my mother, Guomu, and you can capture it. No one else can.” Joru looked at Zumu with hopeful eyes and said, “So, I need your help.” Zumu, though not timid by nature, felt unsure of her abilities. “A wild horse… me… am I capable of this?” Joru reassured her, “You can do it! Horses can understand human words. If you can’t catch it, call out to my brothers, and they will use the Sun-and-Moon Divine Rope to help you.” Zumu nodded, though her heart was still uneasy. She agreed to help. With Zumu’s promise, Joru immediately began the ritual to restore her beauty. He entered a deep meditative state, clearing his mind of all distractions. Following ancient traditions for blessings and prosperity, he chanted a sacred song to summon the gods and bestow their blessings upon Zumu: "Oh gods of the thirty-three heavens, Come today to help me, Joru! My elder brother, the phoenix-headed god, Full of joy and laughter, Lives in the celestial realm. Gather the radiance of divine maidens, And grant Zumu unparalleled beauty! My younger brother, the dragon-bodied deity, In his crystal palace, Residing in the depths below, Bring forth the voices of dragon maidens, And grant Zumu a silver tongue! My sister, the eagle-feathered goddess, With her enchanting eyes, Dwelling in the space between heaven and earth, Bring fortune and blessings from all lands, And grant Zumu wisdom and grace! Divine protectors and guardians, Hear my call today. Let Zumu’s face shine brighter than the moon, Her beauty surpassing the lotus flower! Let her hair flow like black silk, And her voice echo like sweet melodies. Let her beauty conquer all who see her, And let her be the pride of Ling!" When Joru finished his chant, he gently touched Zumu’s head and face. Instantly, her hair grew back, thick and glossy like a raven’s feathers. Her teeth were restored, white and flawless. Her face became radiant like the moon, and she appeared even more beautiful than before. Guomu handed Zumu a mirror. Seeing her reflection, Zumu blushed and shyly covered her face, overwhelmed by her restored beauty. Zumu’s Final Trial in Joru’s Home After recovering from her initial shock, Zumu began to observe her surroundings. She noticed that Joru and his mother lived in a small tent patched together with rags. The inside of the tent was dirty and smelled unpleasant. Zumu felt extremely out of place and stood outside, hesitant to step inside. Joru noticed her reluctance. Without saying a word, he glanced up at the sky and summoned the Eight Dragon Kings. Thunder roared, lightning struck, and hailstones began to fall. The heavens and earth seemed to merge in chaos, and Zumu had no choice but to rush into the small tent for shelter. Once Zumu was inside, Joru stopped the storm and brought out food for her. He prepared a feast of tailless rat meat and ginseng fruit, ingredients blessed by divine forces. Zumu, exhausted from her long journey and the many trials she had endured, was starving. She didn’t bother to ask what kind of food it was. Without hesitation, she devoured everything Joru had set before her. In no time, the plates were empty. But soon after, her stomach began to churn uncomfortably. She vomited everything she had eaten, covering the tent with foul-smelling waste. Joru remained calm. Despite the mess, his actions had a deeper purpose. Through this ritual of purging and cleansing, Joru was preparing Zumu to become part of his life. From this day forward, the land around their home would prosper, and its people would thrive.

After Joru tamed the thousand-mile divine steed, Jiangga Peibu, the three of them immediately set off to return to their lodging. Zumu, after praising the divine horse, firmly believed that it would win the horse race and that Joru would undoubtedly become her husband. Because of this, she began treating Joru and Guomu like family, feeling assured that her future was secure. K i n g G e s a r of Tibet The Legend from ling King Gesar (about 1038-1119 AD) was a legendary Tibetan hero who was born in Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Later generations called him King Gesar of Ling. According to legend, King Gesar is also the incarnation of the Guru Rinpoche and his wisdom, compassion and power. Chapter 18: Testing Zumu's Affection with an Illusion, Confirming True Intentions to Grant the Saddle and Bridle for the Divine Horse Joru Tames the Horse and Teases Zumu After Joru tamed the thousand-mile divine steed, Jiangga Peibu, the three of them immediately set off to return to their lodging. Zumu, after praising the divine horse, firmly believed that it would win the horse race and that Joru would undoubtedly become her husband. Because of this, she began treating Joru and Guomu like family, feeling assured that her future was secure. The three should have returned home peacefully and without issue, but Joru suddenly thought about Zumu’s past relationship with the handsome youth of Jaga. This stirred irritation in his heart. Seeing Zumu’s cheerful and excited demeanor, Joru couldn’t help but feel the urge to test and tease her. Joru said to Zumu: "Although the thousand-mile horse has been captured, it hasn’t been fully trained yet, and it’s still without a saddle or bridle. If I ride it now, I could fall and die. If I die, wouldn’t that be your fault, Zumu? I think it’s better for my mother to lead the horse from behind while you and I go ahead. But if you ride your horse while I walk with a stick, I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep up with you!" Zumu trusted Joru completely and never suspected that he was teasing her. "Alright then," said Joru, as he casually mounted Zumu’s mule, Tromu. He rode ahead leisurely, swaying back and forth, while Zumu followed on foot without a single complaint. Joru’s Trick with the Demon Deer (Part 2) As they walked, a deer appeared on a nearby mountain, peeking at them. Pretending not to see it, Joru whispered to Zumu: "That creature is the demon deer, Pengla Ruoqiong, from the Yin Mountains. It’s eyeing us. Sing a song to distract it—it can understand songs. While it listens, I’ll use a rope to capture it." Zumu looked at the deer and noticed it was different from ordinary ones. Suspicion crept into her mind: "Could this be one of Joru’s tricks? How could there be a deer on such a mountain? Even if there is one, catching it shouldn’t be difficult. Why does he insist that I sing?" However, since Joru had asked, she couldn’t refuse. After a moment of thought, Zumu began to sing: "On the mountain path of the Yin Mountains, Stands a demon deer. It wants to leave but cannot, Joru has already set his sights on it. I, Zumu, think of its musk and venison." Before Zumu could finish her song, Joru had already lassoed the deer’s neck. However, the deer was surprisingly strong. It dragged Joru forward and charged straight at Zumu. The rope in Joru’s hand tangled around Zumu, and she struggled to free herself. Zumu Kills the Deer In desperation, Zumu grabbed a stone and struck the deer once. To her surprise, the deer collapsed instantly and died. Zumu was startled and couldn’t believe her eyes. She thought to herself: "How did such a large deer die from just one hit? How could I, a young woman, have the strength to kill it with a single blow? Seeing the deer dead, Joru became upset. He said, "Zumu, subduing this demon deer was my responsibility. Why did you kill it first? You even said you were thinking about its musk and meat. I didn’t expect such a beautiful woman to be so greedy and materialistic. The people of Ling Gabu clearly don’t know the real you. I’ll make sure to tell them about your flaws." Zumu Agrees to Joru’s Request "Joru, please don’t say such things. Killing the deer wasn’t my intention, but now that the demon deer is dead, what do you want me to do?" Zumu wasn’t afraid of hardship or death, but she feared losing her reputation. She thought, My good name has already spread across Ling. How can I allow Joru to ruin it by exposing my flaws? Joru noticed Zumu’s fear of losing her reputation and took advantage of the moment to make a request. "Well, in that case, if you agree to do something for me, I’ll keep this a secret." "Tell me," Zumu replied. "As long as it’s something I can do, I promise to agree." "This is a very simple matter for you," Joru said. "I need you to borrow two treasures from your father’s treasury. The first is the golden bridle, called ‘Wish-Fulfilling Jewel,’ and the second is the golden whip, called ‘May All Be Accomplished.’ These two items will perfectly equip the divine horse for the race." "Joru, I agree," Zumu said. She knew that taking these two beloved treasures from her father’s treasury wouldn’t be an easy task. However, for the sake of her reputation and Joru’s victory, she felt she had no choice. She believed her father would eventually agree. The two of them stopped speaking and continued walking in silence. When they reached a place near Magaling Lalonggongma, Joru suddenly began hitting Zumu’s mule, Tromu, with his stick for no apparent reason. Tromu, never having been subjected to such harsh treatment, panicked. The mule reared up on its hind legs, then bolted forward in a frenzy, quickly disappearing over a mountain pass and leaving Zumu far behind. Zumu’s Shock and Fear Zumu was heartbroken and distressed to see Joru beating her beloved mule, Tromu. She was about to stop him when the mule suddenly disappeared over the mountain pass, out of sight. Zumu ran as fast as she could to catch up. When she finally crossed the mountain pass, she was met with a horrifying sight that froze her in place. Joru’s head was lying next to a rock, staring wide-eyed at the sky. A short distance away, an arm, still clad in a robe sleeve, hung from a small tree. Not far from the tree, a booted leg was lying on the ground. Scattered across the area were Joru’s entrails—his flesh and organs were a bloody mess. The gruesome scene was unbearable to look at. Zumu had never seen such a horrifying sight in her life. She was so afraid of blood that she couldn’t even watch animals being slaughtered at home. Just moments ago, Joru had been alive, asking her for the bridle and whip, and now he was in pieces. What had happened? Zumu turned her head and saw that Tromu was standing nearby, covered in sweat. One of Joru’s legs was hanging from the stirrup. Terrified, Zumu looked around for Guomu, but there was no sign of her. Despite her fear, Zumu forced herself to remain calm. She collected Joru’s head, arm, and leg, and placed them together. However, no matter how much she tried to close Joru’s wide-open eyes, they wouldn’t shut. She remembered hearing from elders that people who die with unresolved matters are unable to close their eyes in death. "Joru," Zumu said, tears streaming down her face, "I know you couldn’t rest in peace because your great ambitions were unfulfilled. This is why you can’t close your eyes. It’s all my fault. I didn’t stay close enough to you. It’s my Tromu’s fault for running too fast. But why, Joru—why did you beat my poor Tromu so harshly?" Zumu’s Grief and Decision As Zumu carefully arranged Joru’s body, she couldn’t stop blaming herself. Joru’s unblinking eyes seemed to stare directly at her, as if accusing her. Zumu thought, People say that the dead shouldn’t be allowed to see the affairs of the living. I can’t let Joru’s open eyes follow him to the underworld. With no other choice, Zumu sprinkled a handful of ash into Joru’s eyes and used white stones to build a small grave for him. After burying Joru, Zumu knelt before the grave and began to cry uncontrollably. "Joru," she sobbed, "I, Zumu, thought that with the divine horse and its saddle and bridle, you would win the horse race and secure a future for me. Now I see that in this life, your great ambitions will never be fulfilled. Since you’ve passed away, what’s the point of me living in this world? Joru, if your spirit resides in the heavens, please wait for me. If we can’t be husband and wife in this life, we’ll reunite in the afterlife." Zumu Attempts to Sacrifice Herself After crying her heart out, Zumu mounted her mule, Tromu, and headed toward the poisonous waters of the Black Sea. When she reached the shore, she dismounted, clasped her hands together in prayer, and looked to the heavens. "May the heavens bless me, Zumu, and Joru’s soul, so that we may ascend together to the Pure Land of the West," she prayed. After finishing her prayer, Zumu prepared to leap into the turbulent black waters. The waves surged violently, roaring as though they wanted to swallow everything in their path. Zumu covered her eyes with her sleeve, squeezed her legs against Tromu’s sides, and urged the mule forward into the sea. But to her surprise, Tromu refused to leap forward. Instead, the mule backed away, as though something was pulling it away from the water. Zumu thought, Could it be that Tromu doesn’t want to follow me into death? Well, if that’s the case, I’ll let Tromu return by itself. At least it can take the news to Guomu. Zumu patted Tromu’s neck and said, "Tromu, my beloved mule. If you don’t wish to follow me, then return to Ling Mingbu. Now that Joru is dead, I, Zumu, no longer wish to live in this world. My heart and Joru’s are united, in life and in death. He has already gone ahead to the Pure Land, and I, Zumu, must follow him. My wish will be fulfilled, and though death is painful, it is also a blessing. Tromu, I hope you return safely, and I wish my father and mother health and happiness." Hearing Zumu’s heartfelt words, Tromu retreated even farther. Zumu, puzzled by the mule’s behavior, dismounted. When she looked back, she was shocked to see Joru standing behind Tromu, holding onto its tail. Zumu let out a startled cry and fell to the ground in disbelief. Realizing that this was all one of Joru’s tricks, Zumu couldn’t help but burst into laughter through her tears. Joru Teases Zumu Further Joru, seeing Zumu laugh, grinned mischievously and said, "Ah! What a fine Senzhang Zumu! There’s a saying: ‘The stag cries when it’s overwhelmed with joy, The owl laughs when it’s in unbearable pain, The old wolf worries about meat when it’s too full.’ “So, Senzhang Zumu, what about you? Are you laughing because your family is wealthy? Or is it because your power and privilege are too burdensome? If not, why were you trying to jump into the Black Sea? If you think dying is more peaceful, why were you so afraid that you covered your eyes? What’s the point of that? Covering your eyes doesn’t block out reality. "The people of Ling Gabu all know that you’re beautiful and kind-hearted, but do they know that you’re afraid of death? I should tell them everything about you." "You—you…!" Zumu stammered, unable to form a response. Joru continued teasing her. "I wasn’t even dead! Yet you filled my eyes with ash and buried me under stones. What was that about?" At first, Zumu didn’t want to respond, but when she heard Joru’s words, she became both angry and flustered. "Joru! How can you say such things? I acted out of good intentions, but now you’re accusing me of being heartless? I thought you were truly dead. I was shocked and scared, which is why I was so grief-stricken. How was I supposed to know that you were playing tricks and teasing me? How can you tell these things to the people of Ling Gabu?" Zumu’s Shame and Confession Joru, seeing Zumu’s reaction, continued teasing her. "It’s just in my nature to joke around and lighten the mood. Don’t take it so seriously. If you don’t want me to tell anyone, I won’t—but you’ll have to lend me two things!" "What do you want?" Zumu asked. "As long as I can do it, I’ll definitely lend it to you." "Of course," Joru replied. "I want the floral-patterned golden saddle from your family, and the square nine-section felt blanket. Only with these two items can I properly decorate my divine steed for the horse race." "Don’t worry, Joru," Zumu said confidently. "I will make sure you get them!" Zumu readily agreed. The two of them continued walking for a while until they reached the Seven Sand Hills, the very place where Zumu had once met with the Jaga minister, Berga. On one of the large stones nearby, there were still clear markings from that encounter. When Zumu saw the stone, her heart raced wildly. She hurriedly urged Joru to keep walking, but Joru insisted that he was tired and wanted to rest for a while. Zumu, unable to push him too hard, reluctantly sat with him, though her heart was filled with unease. Joru leaned against the stone in a casual manner, and his posture was identical to that of the handsome Jaga youth. Zumu’s face turned pale as she began to realize what was happening. Her cheeks flushed red, then turned pale again. She was filled with panic, but Joru seemed entirely unaffected. He appeared calm and even closed his eyes, as though he were about to fall asleep. Zumu, seeing his relaxed demeanor, was slightly relieved. Suddenly, a swarm of tailless rats appeared, squeaking and running around Zumu and Joru. The rats surrounded them, moving chaotically in all directions. One particularly large rat, with a white silk ribbon tied around its neck, stopped in front of them. The ribbon was the very one Zumu had once gifted to Minister Berga. The rat spoke: "I am Tunga Barimi, the Great Minister of the Tailless Rats. Today, I have come to meet Joru. This nine-knotted white silk ribbon was a gift from Zumu to Minister Berga, and it was tied with three vows. The minister gave it to me before he left and asked me to deliver a message to you, Joru." The rat cleared its throat and began to sing: "If you entrust all your wealth to a horse, One day, you’ll be left a beggar. If you give your heart entirely to a woman, One day, you’ll be doomed to loneliness. If you overly cherish the horses you raise, One day, they’ll kick you to the ground. If you love your children too much, One day, they’ll treat you as an enemy. If you hoard food and treasure excessively, One day, your life will be lost for it. If you believe too strongly in a woman’s chastity, One day, you’ll find yourself betrayed. Zumu, with beauty but no sense, Fluctuates like the weather—hot one day, cold the next. A woman like this, used as a wager, Will surely lead Joru astray." After finishing the song, the rat threw the white ribbon toward Joru and scurried into a nearby hole. The rest of the rats quickly disappeared along with it. Zumu’s Humble Plea and Joru’s Forgiveness Joru looked at Zumu’s pale face and, feeling triumphant, said, "Ah! I thought I knew the kind of person you were, but who would’ve guessed that you’d do something so scandalous? I’m sure that rat wasn’t lying. Let’s head home, and we’ll talk more about this there." With that, Joru tucked the white ribbon into his robe, stood up, and walked away. Zumu was so frightened and ashamed that she didn’t even have the strength to explain herself. She couldn’t think of any justification for her actions. Her mind was in complete turmoil, tangled like an unsolvable ball of thread. With no other choice, she silently followed behind Joru, leaving her fate entirely in his hands. As they continued walking, they approached the spot where Zumu had encountered the black figure and the black horse earlier. Suddenly, they heard the sound of a bee humming. The buzzing sound was soft and melodious, gradually becoming clearer. To Zumu’s surprise, the bee began to speak. "Joru," the bee said, "do you see the golden ring on that flower over there? That’s the ring Zumu gave to Pelri Nyima Khyentse as a keepsake. I stole it for you." Joru immediately walked over to the flower, picked up the ring, and held it up to the sunlight. The golden ring sparkled brightly in the light. "Ah," Joru said smugly, "it really is a Galo family ring. This golden ring would look better on your hand, Senzhang Zumu. But how could you simply give it away so easily?" Holding the ring, Joru walked straight to Zumu and held it up to her. "Zumu, isn’t this ring yours?" Zumu’s Shame and Confession Zumu was so ashamed that she didn’t have the strength to reply. She simply lowered her head in silence, unable to meet Joru’s gaze. Joru sighed dramatically and said, "You, the beautiful and renowned Senzhang Zumu, famous across all of Ling Gabu, have managed to create so many shameful incidents just on this short journey. Who knows how much more trouble you’ll stir up in your lifetime? I must report this to the Chief Minister and Jiacha and also tell your father. What kind of upbringing did he give you to make you so bold and reckless?" At that moment, everything became clear to Zumu. The black figure, the handsome youth, the tailless rats, and even the bee—all of them were transformations created to test her. She realized how shallow and naive she had been, unable to distinguish truth from illusion. Her actions, born of ignorance, had disappointed Joru deeply. Thinking of her past interactions with Minister Berga and her flirtatious behavior, Zumu was overcome with shame. Tears streamed down her face as she fell to her knees before Joru. "Joru, my most honorable and wise Joru," she pleaded, "please listen to my confession with compassion: 'To sin unknowingly is the nature of sentient beings. To sin knowingly is to stray from the Buddha’s teachings.' "In the past, I acted out of ignorance and made mistakes. Now I understand them, and I deeply regret my actions. "I was wrong to be captivated by the guest from Mayulongdo, Minister Berga. I was wrong to fail to distinguish truth from illusion in the rainbow of your transformations. I was wrong to let my restless heart and wild thoughts lead me astray. In my delusions, it was your bridle that kept me from falling. "My mind, like a wild elephant, ran rampant in the past. From now on, I vow to follow your heart unwaveringly. "I, Zumu, make this solemn pledge to you now and also offer my blessings: First, may your wisdom be as vast as the ocean. Second, may you never abandon or despise me. Third, may you display your power and ascend the throne as king. Fourth, may the people of Ling Gabu live in happiness and prosperity." Zumu’s Redemption and the Divine Horse’s Preparation Zumu, overwhelmed with shame, hung her head low, unable to respond to Joru. Her silence only seemed to encourage him, and he sighed dramatically. "You, the beautiful and renowned Senzhang Zumu, praised across all of Ling Gabu, have already caused so much scandal just on this short journey with me. Who knows how much more trouble you’ll stir up in your lifetime? I must report this to the Chief Minister, Jiacha, and your father. How has he raised you to become so bold and reckless?" At this moment, everything became clear to Zumu. The black figure, the handsome youth, the tailless rats, and even the bee—all of them were transformations created to test her. She realized how shallow and naive she had been, unable to distinguish truth from illusion. Her actions had disappointed Joru deeply. Thinking of her past with Minister Berga and her flirtatious behavior, Zumu became even more ashamed. Tears streamed down her face as she fell to her knees before Joru. "Joru," she pleaded, "O honorable and wise Joru, please listen to my confession with compassion: 'To sin unknowingly is the nature of sentient beings. To sin knowingly is to stray from the teachings of the Buddha.' "In my ignorance, I made many mistakes in the past. Today, I finally understand and deeply regret my actions. I was wrong to be captivated by the guest from Mayulongdo, Minister Berga. I was wrong to fail to distinguish between truth and illusion in the rainbow of your transformations. I was wrong to let my restless heart and wild thoughts lead me astray. In my delusions, it was your guidance, your bridle, that kept me from falling. "My mind, like a wild elephant, ran rampant in the past. From now on, I vow to follow your heart unwaveringly. I, Zumu, make this solemn pledge to you now and also offer my blessings: First, may your wisdom be as vast as the ocean. Second, may you never abandon or despise me. Third, may you display your power and ascend to the throne as king. Fourth, may the people of Ling Gabu live in happiness and peace." Joru, hearing Zumu’s heartfelt confession, was secretly pleased, but he maintained a calm demeanor. He said, "What you’ve said is not bad. Recognizing your mistakes and correcting them leads to true virtue. My heart, Joru’s heart, is free from illusions, and your heart, Zumu, is now free from errors. Errors and illusions must be clearly distinguished. Errors will vanish, just like a rainbow fades after the rain." Hearing these words, Zumu realized that Joru had forgiven her. Her heart filled with joy, and she became even more certain that Joru was her destined husband—there could be no other. At that moment, Guomu arrived, leading the thousand-mile divine steed, Jiangga Peibu. Seeing the divine horse, Zumu immediately thought of something. She turned to Joru with a smile and said, "You don’t need to say a word—I’ll make sure to get you the whip and bridle to complete the set for your divine horse." Joru couldn’t help but laugh, his face lighting up with joy. Zumu, too, smiled brightly, her face glowing like a blooming flower. Even Guomu, who didn’t quite understand what had just happened, couldn’t help but smile when she saw how happy Joru and Zumu looked.

The seven heroes continued their journey until they reached a fork in the Hor White Road, where the path split into an upper and lower route. Chaotong, burdened by his secret promise to the White Tent King, thought to himself: K i n g G e s a r of Tibet The Legend from ling King Gesar (about 1038-1119 AD) was a legendary Tibetan hero who was born in Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Later generations called him King Gesar of Ling. According to legend, King Gesar is also the incarnation of the Guru Rinpoche and his wisdom, compassion and power. Chapter 38 Falling for a Treacherous Plot, Yuda Perishes on the Battlefield; Losing His Young Son, the Chief Steward Endures His Grief. Chaotong’s Betrayal and Yuda’s Decision The seven heroes continued their journey until they reached a fork in the Hor White Road, where the path split into an upper and lower route. Chaotong, burdened by his secret promise to the White Tent King, thought to himself: "I persuaded Yuda to come here, but now all of Ling Gabu’s top warriors are with him. Who knows what kind of damage this could cause to Hor if things go wrong?" He turned to the group and said, “We shouldn’t act like hungry foxes running around aimlessly. We should be like well-fed tigers, eating before we fight. Let’s stop for a quick meal before heading into battle.” While the group stopped to eat, Chaotong added, “I was never in favor of sending Yuda on this mission. Today’s date is unfavorable, and Dasa’s words earlier were full of bad omens. I think it would be better for one elder and one young person to return home. With the rest of you heroes here, I’m confident you can handle the Hor camp just fine.” Jiacha, who had been considering ways to convince Yuda to return home, thought Chaotong’s suggestion made sense and immediately agreed. He ordered Yuda to return home with Chaotong. Though reluctant, Yuda couldn’t disobey Jiacha’s command. He said his goodbyes to the group and started back with Chaotong. After the five heroes were out of sight, Chaotong changed his tone. “Yuda,” he mocked, “you’re turning back before even entering the battlefield. Isn’t this shameful? You’re young and full of energy, yet you’re already retreating. How about this: instead of going home, I’ll accompany you to scout the lower path of the White Road and observe Hor’s movements.” Yuda hesitated and replied, “It does feel shameful to retreat without fighting. But since Jiacha has already given the order, I’ll follow it for now and find another chance later.” Chaotong spat on the ground and sneered, “How strange! You were the one insisting on coming to fight, and no one could stop you. But now, it seems you were just boasting to show off!” Angered by the taunt, Yuda, eager to prove himself, rode down the lower path toward Hor’s camp, leaving Chaotong behind. Pleased with his manipulation, Chaotong secretly returned to Ling Gabu alone. Yuda's Heroic Stand and Ling Gabu's Loss The five heroes took the upper route of the White Road and reached its highest point near Laze. From there, they looked down and saw chaos in Hor’s camp. They couldn’t make sense of what was happening. Suddenly, from the Black Tent division of Hor, a warrior on a black horse emerged. His helmet plume swirled like dark clouds, a bow and sword hung at his waist, and he carried a black spear as he charged forward. The heroes, confused by the commotion, decided to hide near the mountain by the convergence of the upper and lower roads, waiting for the right moment to act. Meanwhile, Yuda, taking the lower route of the White Road, reached Hor’s camp before the five heroes. Though the path was longer, it avoided steep mountain climbs. Driven by his eagerness to win, Yuda moved quickly. Before the heroes arrived at Laze, Yuda had already caused havoc in the Hor camp—he drove off nine herds of horses and killed five or six of the White Tent King’s guards. Then, he began herding the stolen horses back toward Ling Gabu. In Hor’s camp, Sinba warrior Meruze silently observed the scene. Another warrior, Dochin, exclaimed, “Forget Ling Gabu’s generals—now even their young boys dare to humiliate us. If we let this one get away, Hor will truly be no better than a pack of useless dogs!” The White Tent King, furious, ordered the mighty warrior Zan Jia Kasho, who was as fierce as a bear, to chase Yuda. Yuda’s Triumph and the Heroes’ Reunion Yuda, driving the horses, continued toward Ling Gabu. Looking back, he noticed a shadowy figure darting through the mountain pass. Recognizing he was being followed, he stopped to assess the terrain and retreated slightly to a rocky nook where he could defend himself. When the pursuer came close enough, Yuda stepped into the open to confront him. The pursuer, Zan Jia, shouted, “You Ling Gabu people have stolen from us repeatedly. This insult to Hor is intolerable! Let’s fight it out today. If I fail to retrieve these horses, I, Zan Jia, am no longer a man!” He fired an arrow at Yuda, but Yuda dodged easily. His next two arrows also missed their mark. Just then, another Hor warrior, Tulai Nazuo, arrived to support Zan Jia. Yuda drew his sword and charged directly at Zan Jia. With a swift strike, he severed both of Zan Jia’s arms, and the warrior fell from his horse. Tulai fired an arrow, hitting Yuda’s saddle, but Yuda grabbed Zan Jia’s fallen spear and hurled it at Tulai, striking him in the chest. Seeing Yuda dispatch two of their strongest warriors, the remaining Hor soldiers were too scared to approach. Yuda calmly tied the severed heads of Zan Jia and Tulai to his saddle and continued driving the horses toward Ling Gabu. The five heroes, waiting near the upper path, saw Yuda approaching with the horses and the heads of two Sinba warriors hanging from his saddle. Jiacha, realizing what had happened, cursed Chaotong a thousand times for his betrayal but couldn’t help feeling proud of his younger brother’s bravery. The other heroes were equally moved. They galloped forward to greet Yuda, but their joy was short-lived. Two more Sinba warriors had secretly followed Yuda. They fired two arrows, one of which struck Yuda in the gap between his armor plates, wounding his right arm. Though bleeding profusely, Yuda ignored his injuries and continued to fight. Yuda's Sacrifice and Ling Gabu’s Grief The brothers, catching up to Yuda, joined the fight against the remaining Sinba warriors. The battle was fierce but brief, and the heroes managed to eliminate their enemies in no time. However, Yuda, exhausted and gravely injured, collapsed and lost consciousness. Jiacha and Danma discussed the situation and decided to send Dapan back to Ling Gabu to secretly bring doctors, diviners, and seers to treat Yuda. Dapan swiftly rode off and, within a short time, returned with those who could help. The group busied themselves, building fires, boiling water, and doing everything possible to save Yuda. Meanwhile, the Hor camp mourned the loss of four Sinba warriors. Worried about hidden enemies in the mountains, the White Tent King, restless and uneasy, sent two more generals, A’e and Juben, to scout the area. A’e, dressed in red with a red horse, looked as if he had emerged from a sea of blood. His plume seemed to be spitting fire. Juben, clad in white on a white horse, resembled an icy avalanche, his plume glowing like flames. They took different routes, unnoticed by the Ling Gabu heroes. Suddenly, A’e fired six poisoned arrows at once from his bow. The arrows struck Yuda, Panda, the doctor, the diviner, and the seer, while another hit the tea kettle, overturning it. Jiacha, enraged, leapt to his feet, unsheathing his sword, and rode off with Danma to chase the attackers. Meanwhile, Senda and Dapan tended to the wounded. The two Sinba generals fled sideways off the main road. Jiacha and Danma gave chase. Danma shot an arrow that struck A’e’s horse, causing him to fall. Jiacha stood over A’e, who pleaded for his life. “My brother is dying! How can I spare a villain who fired six poisoned arrows?” Jiacha roared. With one swift motion, he severed A’e’s head. Meanwhile, Danma caught up to Juben. Just as he was about to strike, Juben leapt off his horse and escaped into the dense forest. Jiacha returned to the camp with A’e’s head, but it was too late. Panda and the others had succumbed to their injuries, leaving only Yuda barely clinging to life. Jiacha placed A’e’s severed head beside Yuda. “Yuda, look up. Do you recognize your brother?” he asked. “I know my brother well,” Yuda said weakly. “I know you’ve taken the heads and plumes of our enemies. But until I see the head of my foe with my own eyes, I cannot die like a cowardly fox. That’s why I’m still here.” Tears welled up in Jiacha’s eyes, but he couldn’t speak. Danma added, “Yuda, you truly are a worthy descendant of the Bemba royal family. We are in awe of your courage. The man who shot you was the six-fingered A’e. Not only did we take his head, but we would have torn out his heart if we could. But if you don’t survive, how can we answer to the Chief Steward or King Gesar?” Tears streamed down Danma’s face as he spoke. Yuda smiled faintly and said, “Brave Jiacha and Danma, don’t disgrace yourselves as men. There’s an old Tibetan saying: ‘No matter how much it hurts, a man does not cry—that is his nature.’ Comfort my father, the Chief Steward, and don’t worry about King Gesar. I’m dying ahead of my brothers, that’s all. If you stand united to defend Ling Gabu, I’ll have no regrets…” Before he could finish his sentence, Yuda passed away. Overwhelmed with grief, Jiacha broke down in tears like a child. The others, though equally heartbroken, tried to console him. Dapan said, “Brother, no matter how much you grieve, the dead cannot return. We must move on. Let’s take the horses, the enemy heads, and Yuda’s body back to Ling Gabu. If we delay, more trouble may arise.” Jiacha replied, “Yuda is gone. Even if we bring back a thousand enemy heads, it won’t ease my pain. I regret not fighting alongside him. Though Hor didn’t harm many of us, this loss is the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever experienced.” With heavy hearts, the group loaded Yuda’s body onto a horse and began their sorrowful journey back to Ling Gabu. By dusk, they arrived. Jiacha and three ministers reported the battle’s results to the Chief Steward. Preparations for War and the Mourning of Yuda Dasa, gifted with foresight, had already foreseen Yuda’s death. She prepared butter lamps and arranged the necessary rituals according to tradition in advance. The Chief Steward, though overwhelmed with grief, suppressed his emotions and spoke calmly: “I, the Chief Steward, am heartbroken over the loss of my son, but I still have Jiacha, Dapan, and the rest of our younger generation. Most importantly, we still have the mighty Lion King, Gesar. As an old man, I must continue to fight alongside the young to defend Ling Gabu. Now, let’s focus on the pressing matter—what did your scouts find? Is it certain that Yellow Hor intends to invade us?” Danma replied solemnly, “Yellow Hor will definitely attack us.” Hearing this, the Chief Steward immediately issued orders for Ling Gabu to prepare for war against the Hor forces. The next day, Yuda’s body was cremated, and a grand ceremony was held to honor his sacrifice. The entire nation mourned the brave warrior, but they steeled themselves for the battle that lay ahead.

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