As he chased further and further, the sky was already dimly lit. Che Li Ji was truly exhausted, and the rest of the team had caught up.
Che Li Ji arranged for his subordinates to follow the wild horse herd from a distance, so as not to lose track of them, and then had the main force rest.
Che Li Ji also said to Yueji with regret, "There was a Han who chased the horse herd with me. He was incredibly brave and strong, but unfortunately, his horse died of exhaustion. With tens of thousands of horses galloping, I'm afraid that Han also met a grim fate."
Yueji was also silent for a moment upon hearing this. After all, the Qiang revered warriors, and he also felt a pang of regret for a warrior meeting such an end.
Ma Chao changed two horses during his rapid chase, continuously following the wild horse herd.
By the time the sky was fully bright, the Horse King saw that there were no pursuers behind them and led the herd to a small stream to graze and drink.
The sunlight shone on the Horse King, making him glow white. He was twelve feet from head to tail, eight feet five inches from hoof to back, with slender seven-inch shanks, large hoof cups, a bee-like neck, and a clear, distinct mane, neck mane, and tail mane.
His four hooves moved like lightning.
Ma Chao lay hidden in the grass, watching the Horse King eat his fill, drink, and leisurely rest by the stream.
Suddenly, he sprang up from the ground and swiftly leaped onto the Horse King's back.
This startled the Horse King immensely. The Horse King let out a dragon-like roar, his front hooves rising into the air, ready to gallop wildly before even touching the ground.
Ma Chao, having lived on the grasslands for many years and being skilled in riding since childhood, was not to be outdone.
In his surprise, he clamped his legs tightly around the horse's belly and quickly reached out, wrapping one hand firmly around a tree trunk and the other around the horse's neck.
At this moment, the Ma'er shot out like an arrow, not only intending to throw Ma Chao off his back but also to kill him.
Unfortunately, Ma Chao clung to the horse's back like glue, his arms wrapped around the horse's neck, his strength multiplied many times, making it impossible for the Horse King to shake him off.
Thus, the magnificent horse galloped forward, and Ma Chao held tightly to its neck, beginning a life-and-death tug-of-war.
This continued for a full hour, during which the Horse King twisted and jumped, and several times Ma Chao was almost thrown off his back.
Finally, Ma Chao's strength gave out, and he was thrown off.
The Horse King raised his front hooves, ready to stomp on Ma Chao.
This stomp had the force of a thousand jin; if it landed, Ma Chao would surely die.
Ma Chao rolled on the ground, dodging the blow, and took the opportunity to sweep at the Horse King's hind legs.
The Horse King lost his footing and fell to the ground.
Ma Chao burst forth with a surge of strength, rushed forward, hugged the Horse King's neck, and mercilessly pounded the Horse King with his fists.
He hammered it more than ten times, his fists bleeding and bruised.
The Horse King finally stopped struggling and let out a mournful cry.
Ma Chao released the Horse King, who struggled to his feet and rubbed his head against Ma Chao's chest.
At this point, the Horse King was finally completely subdued.
Ma Chao mounted the Horse King, exhausted but full of triumph, his joy inexpressible.
He slowly rode towards the horse herd.
The horse herd, having lost their Horse King, were all stamping in place, not moving forward.
Che Li Ji, having finished resting, brought his team over.
Seeing the situation, he urged his team to quickly capture the valuable horses.
Che Li Ji and Yueji, however, were searching everywhere for the Horse King.
Because the wild horse herd lacked the Horse King's leadership, many valuable horses were captured by Che Li Ji's subordinates.
At this point, the herd began to scatter and flee in disarray.
Che Li Ji called his subordinates to tally their gains, obtaining nearly a hundred fine horses, among which were two particularly magnificent ones, one red and one black.
Although not as good as the Wild Horse King, they were still one-in-ten-thousand treasures.
Che Li Ji was discussing with Yueji whether to continue searching for the Wild Horse King when they saw Ma Chao riding the Wild Horse King approaching from a distance.
Che Li Ji and Yueji exchanged glances, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.
With a shout from Che Li Ji, his subordinates drew their weapons and, with shouts, surrounded Ma Chao.
Ma Chao exclaimed in anger, "What do you intend to do?"
Yueji said, "Han, I see you are also a hero. Hand over the Wild Horse King, and I will spare your life!"
Ma Chao replied, "This horse was originally wild on the grasslands; now that I have tamed it, why should I hand it over to you?"
Che Li Ji sat upright on his horse, tapping his horsewhip in his hand, and said mockingly, "This is Qiang territory, and I am a Qiang King's son.
Everything in my territory belongs to my Qiang. Shouldn't it be given to me?"
Che Li Ji's subordinates advanced with their weapons.
Ma Chao said, "I've always heard that the Qiang respect warriors, but I didn't expect you would only bully the few with the many."
Che Li Ji ordered his subordinates to step back and said, "You are right, my Qiang respects warriors.
It's not that I want to forcibly seize it.
I also fancy this horse and planned to offer it to my father, the King, for his birthday.
I didn't expect you to get there first.
Tell me, how can you give me the horse?"
Ma Chao had not closed his eyes for a day and a night chasing the Horse King. He rode a wild horse all night without any equipment, relying solely on his personal ability to control it.
Furthermore, subduing the Wild Horse King had completely exhausted his strength.
Even if he could break out, he would pay a heavy price.
He also cherished this horse too much and was unwilling to fight with Che Li Ji's subordinates, fearing accidentally harming this peerless steed.
Moreover, he had come to the Qiang territory specifically to seek weapon materials from the Qiang King and did not wish to offend the Qiang King's beloved son.
Ma Chao pondered for a moment, then spoke, "The Prince also shows filial piety.
With this filial piety, it would not be impossible to offer this fine steed to the Prince.
However, my Ma family has been dukes and marquises for generations; how can I be coerced and tarnish the prestige of my Ma family?
I see the Prince is majestic and outstanding, with an extraordinary demeanor; he must also be a warrior.
We two can have a contest.
Regardless of the outcome, the precious horse will be given to the Prince!"
Che Li Ji was also full of confidence in his own bravery: "Good, I see you, Han, are also a hero.
Last night, I even thought you had been trampled to death by the wild horse herd and felt deep regret.
Then let us have a contest."
Yueji quickly stepped in and said to Che Li Ji, "Prince, he is alone, and we are many.
Why do you need to compete with him and put yourself in danger?
The Prince's life is precious; how can he compare to him? Just act directly!"
Che Li Ji stopped Yueji and said proudly, "I see this Han has a heroic spirit; he is a worthy opponent.
None of you lay a hand on him.
I want to have a fair duel with him to prove who is the true warrior.
Besides, don't you know my capabilities?"
Che Li Ji took the wolf tooth club from his subordinate's hand.
The wolf tooth club was heavy and fierce, only usable by warriors of immense strength.
Che Li Ji wielded it in his hand, feeling it was perfectly suited to him, which proved that Che Li Ji also possessed extraordinary strength.
He then arranged for his subordinates to provide Ma Chao with a weapon.
Ma Chao chose a long spear and tried to twirl it, still feeling it was too light.
However, it was just right as Ma Chao was exhausted, while Che Li Ji had immense strength, so Ma Chao could only win by skill.
The two set up their stances and charged at each other on horseback.
Che Li Ji's wolf tooth club was powerful and heavy, swinging with fierce momentum.
Ma Chao could not possibly meet it head-on, so he unleashed his spear techniques, dodging and weaving like an antelope hanging by its horns, leaving no trace.
The two fought for more than ten rounds, and Che Li Ji felt like he had strength but couldn't use it, becoming increasingly impatient.
He even resorted to life-for-life moves, truly living up to the word 'brave'.
If Ma Chao hadn't been exhausted, he could have used his 'Breaking Army Spear' technique, meeting force with force, and surely would have made Che Li Ji submit.
However, now he could only provoke Che Li Ji's temper, making him reveal an opening in his impatience to defeat him in one move.
The two fought for thirty to forty rounds.
Che Li Ji shouted in frustration.
Ma Chao feinted with his spear, Che Li Ji fell for it, overcommitted his strength, and Ma Chao's spear tip was pointed at his throat.