In the depths of winter, the Tuomao people follow their herds across the grasslands. Kaikaizi and his mother had pitched their tent on the meadows near Wild Bull Gulch Township. But during the journey, Kaikaizi was struck by the devastating news of his mother's passing.

Though the Tuomao share customs with the Tibetans, they practice Islam. In accordance with their faith, the deceased must be cleansed and prayed over by an imam on the very day of their death. Thus, Kaikaizi set out alone for Wild Bull Gulch Township in search of an imam.