Another cousin Shetu (Issik Khagan's son) supported Anluo, threatening to rebel if the throne is passed to Talopien.
In turn Shetu created him Dier Khagan (Chinese: 第二可汗; pinyin: Dìèr Kèhán) in Tuul River valley (now in Mongolia).
[4] Talopien also demanded a title and as a result he was created Apa Khagan (Chinese: 阿波可汗; pinyin: Ābō Kèhán) and was granted the steppe between northern Mongolia and the Altai Mountains.
In May, Dou Rongding led 30,000 infantry and cavalry from Liangzhou, repeatedly defeating Apa's forces at Gaoyue Plain (northwest of present-day Minqin, Gansu).
Zhangsun Sheng, serving as a deputy general in Dou Rongding's army, took the opportunity to sow discord among the Turks.
Just like Zhangsun predicted, Ishbara was defeated in a battle near Baidao (白道, north of modern Hohhot) and put the blame on Apa.
Settling in Ili Valley, he increased his power to the point of appointing a lesser khagan to west wing of his territories.