As the imperial emissaries of the Khaqan of China journeyed westward, bearing magnificent treasures and gifts for King Khosrow Anushirvan of Iran, their path traversed the formidable domain of the Hephthalites. The roads bristled with rows of heavily armed warriors, their steel blades and maces gleaming under the open sky. From the borders of Sogdia to the banks of the sacred Jayhun River, ranks of troops stood assembled under the banner of the Hephthalite sovereign, commanded by a fierce and renowned war-leader named Ghatfar.
When Ghatfar learned of the diplomatic alliance forming between the Khaqan of China and the Shah of Iran, a dark foreboding seized his heart. He convened an urgent council of seasoned veterans and warlords. With a grim countenance, Ghatfar addressed the assembly: 'An evil star has cast its shadow over us! Should the Monarch of Iran and the Khaqan of China unite their realms in true brotherhood, their pact will bring terror upon our houses and reduce our lands to ruin. We must launch a swift strike and purge the world of these envoys before this lethal alliance is sealed.'
Agreeing to the treacherous plot, Ghatfar selected a celebrated war-captain to lead a strike force. Falling upon the unsuspecting Chinese caravan with ruthless fury, the Hephthalites plundered all the rich treasures, adorned camels, and fine steeds. They pitilessly put every envoy to the sword, leaving not a single Chinese rider alive to carry back the tale.
When tidings of the bloody massacre reached the imperial court of China, the Khaqan was struck with profound grief, which instantly turned into blazing fury. He issued a supreme decree of war, mobilizing his vast forces from Qajghar-bashi, until not a single nobleman or warrior remained behind in China or Khotan. The descendants and kin of ancient Arjasp and Afrasiab abandoned all rest, their hearts inflamed with vengeance as they marched toward the Golzariyun River.
The Khaqan entrusted the supreme command of his grand army to Sanjeh, a formidable general whose churning cavalry kicked up clouds of dust that eclipsed the sun. As the countless horsemen massed through the region of Chach, the sheer magnitude of the mobilization turned the clear waters of the Golzariyun red as blood, signaling an impending tempest of slaughter against Ghatfar and his kingdom.