Chapter 923 - 98: Apex of an Era, Genghis Khan

There was only one choice left for him.

——Deification!

...

At the source of the Onon River, the heart of the steppe.

The cold northern wind swept over the pale yellow sea of grass, lifting fine flecks of snow.

Numerous banners—wolf heads, eagle feathers, various tribal totems—fluttered wildly in the wind, like a restless, growling herd.

Chieftains and their elite warriors from dozens of tribes all over the steppe gathered here like rivers converging into the sea.

Between them were old blood feuds or fresh grievances.

But today, everyone’s gaze was fixed on the largest and most majestic white tent with golden edges perched on a gentle slope.

The reason was equally simple.

One man had conquered them!

Inside the tent, the atmosphere was hot and heavy.

Torches made of animal fat illuminated the hanging weapons and furs, also casting light on each frost-etched face, now intently focused.

There were no prolonged debates, no complex rituals.

A few of the most venerable shamans finished their prayers to the Eternal Heaven, and the strongest tribal chiefs exchanged final glances.

Temujin stood at the heart of the tent.

He wore no luxurious garments, just a dark, sturdy outfit, covered with an ordinary-looking fur robe cleverly lined with chain mail, at his waist the iconic curved saber, a fusion of steppe and Han forging techniques.

His face was more chiseled than in his youth, his beard thick, and under the flickering firelight, his eyes were as calm as deep pools, yet they seemed to burn with a wild fire.

He spoke little, merely sweeping his gaze around the tent; those who were rebellious lowered their heads, and the hesitant found resolve.

No words of proclamation were needed.

When the last great chief capable of dissent reverently laid the symbol of tribal power, the Suld, before Temujin on the ground, everything was decided.

The tent fell into a strange silence, broken only by the crackling of burning torches and the sound of heavy breathing.

It was a silence of absolute power transfer and unified will, more powerful than any cheer or shout.

Temujin——no!

From this moment, he was Genghis Khan——turned around and strode toward the tent’s entrance.

As he personally lifted the heavy felt curtain and stepped into the outside world, the first sharp ray of golden sunlight of the morning pierced through the eastern clouds, like a heaven-sent crown, surrounding his tall figure.

Outside the tent stood an endless formation of silent horsemen.

They wore various armor, held bows and sabers, their warhorses neighed softly, their breath formed white mist in the cold air.

Genghis Khan stood still, his gaze slowly sweeping over his army, over this vast steppe that had nurtured him, tempered him, and would be revitalized by him.

Then, he raised his right arm.

"Huh——!"

Then came the echo as one leader after another following behind him, imitating Temujin, raised their right arms and voiced their call.

As if a buried fire beneath the earth suddenly erupted!

First nearby, then spreading rapidly backward and to the sides like waves, a deafening roar rose to the sky, scattering the clouds and startling distant birds.

It was not a chaotic cry, but a battle roar in unison and order, infused with hot blood, hatred, desire, and absolute reverence from countless hearts.

Thousands of arms were raised, and thousands of weapons reflected the sunlight, forming a cold and intense metallic forest.

The earth trembled slightly under the restless motion of iron-shod hooves.

"Genghis Khan!"

"Genghis Khan!!"

"Genghis——Khan——!!!"

——————

"The tribal leaders all knew the reason for their assembly.

We stayed in the great tent all night, where they summoned shamans and generals to speak before them.

There was no argument.

When the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, I stepped out of the tent, and the entire army was awake, ready for orders.

They saluted me, knowing that I was not merely their ruler.

I was also the ruler of the world—Genghis Khan.

My conquest began from here."

——"The Biography of Genghis Khan"