 Residing in the Great Desert ( 大漠 - dàmò ) , where there is much cold and much wind , they had livestock tending and fishing as food source , fur as dress and migrated with the seasons . Their specialty was carts and horses ... In the old Khitan custom , their wealth was horses , their strength was soldiers . Horses were released all through the open country and demobilized soldiers were spread throughout the people . When a matter of importance or battle arose they were called to arms . If the order was given at 5am they would all assemble forthwith at 7am . Horses followed water and grass . People relied on milk and kumiss . They bent the powerful bow and shot animals for their daily use . They had dried food and fodder . This was their Way ( 道 - dào ) . On account of this they maintain victory and wherever they look they encounter no opposition . 
