Having tasted both the bitter gall and sweet triumphs of destiny across the lands of Turan, King Kay Khosrow crossed the Oxus River and entered the great city of Balkh. For a full month he abode there, establishing exalted governors with formidable garrisons across every province. In every hamlet and town, the populace adorned the streets; the melodies of minstrels soared to the heavens, while saffron, silver dirhams, golden dinars, and sweet musk were showered upon the victorious army. Having ordered the affairs of Balkh, Khosrow journeyed toward Ray, dispatching swift dromedary couriers ahead to his blessed grandfather, King Kay Kavus.
When news of Khosrow's return reached Kavus, the heart of the aged monarch was infused with youthful vigor. He adorned his grand halls with golden thrones and rich Chinese brocades; arches were erected over every thoroughfare, and the nobles and war-captains rode forth in celebration. Kavus himself rode out alongside his paladins, and upon the road to Nishapur, the two monarchs met. Seeing his grandfather from afar, Khosrow spurred his swift steed forward and dismounted in reverence. Kavus embraced him, raining praises upon him and declaring that from the days of Jamshid unto Fereydun, the heavens had never beheld a king who had endured such labors or perceived both the hidden and manifest secrets of the world. In response, Khosrow showered emeralds, rubies, and gold over Kavus, until the very feet of the royal throne were swallowed beneath the glittering treasure.
They retired to a gold-embroidered garden, holding a feast of matchless splendor. Khosrow recounted the marvels he had witnessed across the seas and within the enchanted fortress of Gangdez, leaving Kavus in absolute awe. For seven days, goblets of ruby wine flowed freely, and on the eighth day, Khosrow opened his royal treasuries, bestowing robes of honor upon all the paladins who had endured battle and banquet beside him, and rewarding his entire army with a full year's wages.
When the grand assembly dispersed, the two kings sat together in solemn counsel. Khosrow confessed that despite all their hardships, crossings of oceans, and mountain marches, no trace of Afrasiab had been found; should the tyrant gather a new army, fresh suffering would befall the realm. Kavus offered wise elder counsel: "Let us both don robes of pure white, mount our swiftest steeds, and ride to the sanctuary of Adhar Gushnasp. There, before the Holy Creator, we shall weep and pray until the Just Judge guides our path."
With hearts hovering between dread and hope, clad in white garments and uttering silent prayers, the two monarchs hastened to the Fire Temple of Adhar Gushnasp. Beholden to the radiant fire, tears streamed from their eyes as they prostrated themselves upon the threshold of Yazdan. They bestowed precious gems upon the Mobads and remained weeping in that sacred sanctuary for a full week—for in those days, the holy fire served as a Mihrab toward which the faithful turned, and they were no fire-worshipers. Thus, the two kings remained for a month in Azarbadagan, seeking the Almighty's guidance and the ultimate destruction of their bitter enemy.