When half of the dark night had passed and the celestial sphere settled in silence above the mountain peaks, Afrasiab, the warlord of Turan, commanded a total retreat. He ordered his men to pack their heavy baggage and don their mail coats and helmets. Stationing an advance guard of ten thousand heavily armored cavalrymen, he instructed his hosts: 'The moment I plunge into the roaring waters of the Oxus and cross, follow me directly! Waste no time waiting for boats or barges.' Thus, beneath the dense cloak of night, Afrasiab led his vast army across the Amuy River, leaving the dangerous waters behind. Across the length and breadth of the land, by road and wild trail, stood magnificent pavilions and tents—yet completely deserted of warriors.
As the first golden rays of dawn broke across the eastern horizon, the Iranian scouts looked out upon the plain and found no trace of the enemy army. A scout galloped swiftly to King Kay Khosrow with glad tidings, announcing that the Turanian monarch had abandoned the field. The entire valley was filled with empty royal tents, yet not a single enemy horseman remained. Hearing this, Khosrow dismounted and cast himself upon the earth, pouring out his soul in prayer before Almighty God. The righteous King proclaimed: 'O Radiant Creator, Sovereign of the world, vigilant Sustainer! It is You who bestowed upon me the Divine Glory, the crown, and royal strength; You blinded the hearts and eyes of my malicious enemies. Purge the world of oppressors and leave them forever tormented by fear.'
When the golden sun raised its gleaming shield and the dark veil of night vanished, the ruler sat upon his ivory throne and placed the brilliant crown upon his head. The victorious Iranian army gathered before him, offering prayers for his everlasting reign. Enriched by the unimaginable wealth left behind by the armies of Chin and Turan, the Iranian troops became utterly prosperous. Yet some among the ranks whispered in regret: 'Alas that such a mighty enemy ruler, with all his war-horns and drums, managed to slip away scot-free from the hands of our formidable champions during the dark of night!'
Kay Khosrow, ever wise and watchful, addressed his renowned commanders: 'Though a slain enemy king is best, a defeated ruler driven away in utter ruin is still a magnificent triumph. Since the Almighty has favored us with Glory, majesty, and the imperial crown, we must spend our days and nights in humble praise. He elevates whom He wills and brings low the arrogant; no mortal may question His cosmic justice. We shall remain on this battlefield for five days, and on the sixth day—the day of Hormozd—we shall march forth in pursuit.' For five days, the Iranian army searched the battlefield for their slain comrades. They washed the dust of battle from their heroic dead and built noble tombs for each of them, honoring their supreme sacrifice before resuming the grand campaign.