As the darkness of night settled over the battlefield, the warriors retired to their respective camps, their hearts restless in anticipation of the coming dawn. With the first rays of sunlight over the mountains, Houman donned his battle gear and went before Piran, revealing his intention to face Bizhan, the son of Gev, in single combat. Houman dispatched a interpreter riding upon the swift steed Golgun to deliver the challenge. Hearing the summons, Bizhan did not hesitate; he mounted his famed charger Shabahang, bound his armor tight, and rode forth to meet the Turanian champion.
They selected a desolate plain between Mount Gonabad and Ziebad—a barren wilderness where neither eagles flew above nor lions roamed below, far beyond the reach or reinforcement of either army. Establishing terms through their interpreters so that the truth of the duel would be faithfully recorded, the champions clashed. They unleashed showers of arrows, shattered their tempered lances, and struck with heavy swords until their mail was rent and their throats burned with intense thirst.
Dismounting after a brief respite, the two mighty warriors locked arms in grueling hand-to-hand wrestling. As the sun beat down mercilessly, Houman's vast strength began to weigh heavily upon Bizhan. Sensing his peril, Bizhan turned his heart toward Yazdan, praying fervently for divine strength and fortitude. Reinvigorated by faith, Bizhan lunged like a wild leopard, lifted Houman high into the air, and slammed him to the earth. Drawing his sharp dagger, he severed Houman's head.
Bizhan fastened the fallen champion's head to his saddlebow, put on the renowned coat of mail, and took Houman's black banner and steed. Turanian lookouts initially mistook him for Houman returning victorious, but the interpreter soon brought the grim truth to Piran. Meanwhile, Gev, who had been weeping in despair for his son, rejoiced exceedingly upon Bizhan's triumphant return. Bizhan presented Houman's head, horse, and armor to his grandfather, Goudarz, who praised God and showered the young hero with lavish rewards—golden crowns, royal robes, ten steeds with golden bridles, and ten attendants. Deeply grieved and enraged, Piran immediately dispatched his brother Nastihen with ten thousand cavalry to launch a fierce night raid against the Iranian camp to avenge Houman.