Sikandar led his joyful army forward, calling upon his wise nobles until they reached a vast city of boundless horizons, rich in grand palaces, serene gardens, and expansive city squares. At the break of dawn, the king walked unescorted toward a mystical spring which the local elders had named the Water of Life. He observed the marvels of creation as the sun sank into the lapis lazuli waters, filling his soul with profound reverence for God Almighty. As dark night fell, his mind became utterly consumed by the quest for eternal life.
Choosing the most patient and steadfast warriors from his host, Sikandar prepared forty days of provisions and appointed the wise prophet Khizr as his principal guide and counselor. The king brought forth two magical, radiant jewels that glowed like the sun in total gloom—entrusting one to Khizr to illuminate his path ahead while keeping the second to light his own way through the pitch-black darkness.
With resounding shouts of divine praise echoing across the plain, the army entered the realm of darkness. For two days and two nights they pressed on without tasting food, until on the third day, a crossroads appeared shrouded in obscurity. There, Khizr was separated from King Sikandar. Guided by divine providence, Khizr arrived at the shining Fountain of Youth. He washed his body and head in its crystal stream, drank of its life-giving waters, and achieved everlasting life, offering boundless praises to God, while Sikandar journeyed down the alternative dark path...