When Ma Chao saw that the major Qiang tribal matters had been settled, and he had been away from home for several months, he proposed to Che Li Ji that he should take his leave. Che Li Ji was unwilling to part with his brother so soon, so he kept Ma Chao living in the tribe for another month. Ma Chao had been away from home for a long time and was eager to return. Seeing that he truly could not keep him, Che Li Ji arranged for Qiang soldiers to accompany him, sent twenty carts of gifts, and even presented him with meteorite iron. He tearfully bid farewell to Ma Chao, and at their parting, he also gifted him the Horse King, promising that Ma Chao should visit the grasslands whenever he had time. He also assured him that if he ever had any needs, the Qiang King's golden knife could mobilize the entire Qiang tribe for unconditional support.
Ma Chao, carrying Che Li Ji's deep affection and friendship, embarked on his journey home. He rode the powerful Horse King, his posture upright and his spirits high.
Along the way, Ma Chao was filled with emotion. The half-year spent with the Qiang tribe had allowed him to deeply experience their warmth and generosity. He secretly resolved that one day, he would definitely return to these grasslands and gallop alongside Che Li Ji.
The soldiers who returned with Ma Chao carried the gifts from the Qiang tribe. These gifts were not only material offerings but also a symbol of the friendship between the Qiang and Ma Chao.
Ma Chao was eager to return home, traveling day and night. Finally, he saw the familiar scenery of his hometown. An indescribable sense of emotion welled up in his heart.
The moment he stepped through his front door, his family members gathered around him. Their eyes were filled with joy and concern. Ma Chao recounted his experiences in the Qiang tribe in detail.
He spoke of his brotherly bond with Che Li Ji and the warm hospitality of the Qiang people. His family listened with great interest, filled with longing for that distant grassland.
Ma Chao carefully looked after the Horse King gifted by Che Li Ji. He knew that this Horse King was not only a precious gift but also a testament to his friendship with Che Li Ji.
Time flew by, and during his days in his hometown, Ma Chao constantly thought of Che Li Ji and the Qiang people far away. He looked forward to the day when he could reunite with them and continue that unforgettable friendship.
After Ma Chao returned home, Ma Teng gathered the Mohist disciples to discuss how to use and smelt the meteorite iron. Finally, it was decided to forge the meteorite iron into a magnificent Tiger Head Gold Spear. The craftsmen meticulously carved and worked day and night, finally creating this peerless divine weapon. The spear gleamed with a cold light, and the tiger head design was mighty and domineering, as if possessing endless power.
In his daily life, besides diligent study, Ma Chao also practiced his martial arts with fervor. In the morning mist, his figure was as agile as a swallow, wielding his long spear, the tip drawing sharp arcs, as if dancing with the sunrise. At night, moonlight spilled upon his agile figure, his gaze focused and resolute, every move containing endless power.
Whenever bandits or brigands caused trouble in the surrounding areas, Ma Chao always fearlessly led his subordinates to battle. He charged into the enemy formation like a tiger unleashed from its cage. The Tiger Head Gold Spear in his hand was like an agile giant dragon, and enemies crumbled before his divine might.
And his younger brothers were also drawn to his demeanor, eager to be as brave and fearless as he was. Ma Chao gladly taught them martial arts, patiently guiding them through every movement. On the spacious training ground, Ma Chao personally demonstrated, his movements flowing like water, yet strong and powerful. His younger brothers' eyes widened as they tried to imitate his every move.
He would carefully correct his brothers' postures, telling them how to exert force and how to use techniques. Sometimes, he would conduct sparring drills with his brothers, allowing them to gain experience in real combat. The training ground echoed with their shouts and the clashing of weapons.
In the process of teaching martial arts, Ma Chao not only focused on skill training but also on cultivating his brothers' courage and perseverance. He told them that the essence of martial arts lay not only in the mastery of moves but also in inner resilience and fearlessness.
Under Ma Chao's careful guidance, his brothers' martial arts improved day by day. Ma Teng saw this with joy in his heart, which further strengthened his resolve to cultivate Ma Chao.
Once, a small neighboring tribe rebelled. Ma Chao unhesitatingly led his army to battle. He took the lead, charging at the front, with his subordinates following closely, their morale high. On the battlefield, Ma Chao's Tiger Head Gold Spear was like a dragon emerging from the sea, unstoppable. His attacks were as fierce as a storm, and the enemies had no power to resist him.
On the battlefield, Ma Chao's forces swept through the enemy like a broken bamboo. After the battle, Ma Chao also understood the reasons for the tribal rebellion. Border regions, where various ethnic groups lived together, generally experienced difficult lives and had a fierce, martial culture. It was not enough to just crush the rebellion; their lives also needed to be changed to truly integrate the various tribes.
After the rebellion was quelled, Ma Chao did not let down his guard. He knew that the surrounding situation was complex and that he must remain vigilant at all times. Therefore, he suggested to his father to strengthen border patrols, establish friendly relations with other tribes, and alleviate potential conflicts through diplomatic means. He also suggested forming trade caravans to promote economic development and improve the difficult conditions.
Ma Teng, with his foresight and concern for the people of his hometown, knew that relying solely on military force could not fundamentally change the plight of his hometown. Therefore, he accepted Ma Chao's suggestion and decided to form trade caravans.
He carefully selected a group of experienced merchants and brave guards. In the process of forming the trade caravan, Ma Chao displayed outstanding organizational skills and leadership talent. He meticulously planned the caravan's routes, established connections with merchants in various places, and sought out business opportunities.
The trade caravan traversed mountains and rivers, enduring wind, rain, and danger. Ma Chao took the lead, not only ensuring the safety of the caravan but also negotiating with merchants in various places to secure the most favorable trade terms.
Through his efforts, the scale of the trade caravan gradually expanded, and trade flourished. Various goods were continuously transported back to his hometown, including grain, cloth, ironware, and other daily necessities.
The market in his hometown became lively, shops opened one after another, and people's lives gradually improved. Smiles slowly appeared on faces that were once troubled.
Ma Chao not only focused on commercial transactions but also on helping the people of his hometown. He established a chamber of commerce, organized merchants to jointly discuss development plans, and provided financial and technical support to help the people of his hometown develop various sideline businesses.
With the continuous development of the trade caravan, the economy of his hometown became increasingly prosperous. People's incomes increased, and their quality of life significantly improved. Ma Chao's efforts not only changed the lives of the people in his hometown but also brought them hope and confidence.
In this process, Ma Chao's prestige grew daily. He was not only a hero in the hearts of his hometown's people but also an object of awe for the surrounding tribes.
That Tiger Head Gold Spear also became his symbol with his illustrious military achievements. The spear's light shimmered in the sunlight, as if recounting his glory.
However, Ma Chao was not content with the status quo. He knew he still had immense room for improvement, so he studied and practiced martial arts even more diligently. He absorbed wisdom from books and accumulated experience in battles, constantly pursuing higher realms.
Through his efforts, his hometown became increasingly peaceful. People lived and worked in contentment, shops prospered, and the streets and alleys were filled with vitality.
