Intelligence

Lantresuo clicked his tongue as he looked at Leiluo's unchanged expression. He had not expected the Pebble Chieftain to remain so calm upon hearing such news.

How could he have known that Leiluo had long been aware of how demons were summoned?

Withdrawing his furtive gaze, he could only continue. He knew that the Pebble Chieftain held the initiative now, since he had been the one to approach him first.

"The Ogre Mage Saiyba of the Twilight Hammer Clan that attacked you is also one of Gul'dan's subordinates. In fact, the entire Twilight Hammer Clan is Gul'dan's vassal."

Leiluo frowned slightly at the news. He knew that Kargath, the Twilight Hammer Clan's chieftain, was Heroic Rank. He had not expected even him to be subdued by Gul'dan.

"What is your purpose in telling me this?"

Seeing that Leiluo had finally responded, Lantresuo endured the pain and sat up, then gave Leiluo a respectful bow.

"Honored Pebble Chieftain, I hope you can help me rescue my chieftain and free the Fireblade Clan from Gul'dan's control."

"Why should I help you?"

"Hm?" Lantresuo could not make out Leiluo's meaning for a moment.

"Even putting aside the matter of you leading demons here, you claim to be the Fireblade Clan's Sword Saint. Why was your chieftain captured while you were unharmed? Don't tell me you knew in advance that something was going to happen to the Fireblade Clan and left before it did."

Under Leiluo's unwavering stare, Lantresuo lowered his head, unable to meet his eyes. The fact that he alone had escaped was indeed highly suspicious.

"Besides, even if I help you rescue your chieftain, what do I gain? And you know that Gul'dan can use flesh and souls as sacrifices to summon demons. How do you know the Fireblade Clan's people are still alive? Hm?!"

"They must still be alive! They have to be alive!" Lantresuo no longer lowered his head. Instead, he glared furiously at Leiluo.

But after shouting twice, he lowered his head again in despair. He did not know whether Gul'dan's men had used the Fireblade Clan's people as sacrifices.

"So yelling at me is useless. Let's go, Garona."

"Oh, coming, sir."

Thud.

"Pebble Chieftain, the reason I was able to escape is because I am mixed-blood. The chieftain would not allow me to live within the clan. I have nothing with which to repay you. If you do not find me unworthy, I am willing to offer myself as the price for your help to the Fireblade Clan."

When Leiluo turned around, he saw that Lantresuo had climbed down from the sickbed and knelt on the floor.

"You said you're mixed-blood?"

"Yes!"

"Your Fireblade chieftain wouldn't let you live in the clan?"

"Yes."

"Then why do you want me to help him?"

"The chieftain has shown me kindness, but if the Fireblade Clan's people had not helped me, I would have died long ago. That is why I have to save them!"

"Hahaha! Good! What a fine man! I say, little brother—no, Chieftain, help him." Leolox, who had remained silent at the side all this time, finally spoke.

"Are you truly willing to offer yourself as payment?"

"Yes!" Lantresuo nodded firmly.

"Then if I tell you to die, will you go?"

"If you help me, I would not refuse even ten thousand deaths!"

"Good! A man who clearly distinguishes gratitude and grudges. I'll help you."

"Thank you, Pebble Chieftain. Thank you, Pebble Chieftain." As he thanked him, Lantresuo kept kowtowing without pause.

Seeing Lantresuo like this, Leiluo was genuinely afraid that he would knock himself to death, so he hurriedly stopped him.

"We of the Pebble Clan kneel only to heaven, earth, our parents, and our ancestors. There is no need to kneel to anyone else."

"And you should know that our clan does not have many warriors right now. So the only ones helping you will be me and that fat guy over there."

Lantresuo followed the direction of Leiluo's finger and looked over. It was the big man who had spoken up for him earlier.

"Hey, little brother—no, Chieftain, don't think you can slander me just because you're my chieftain now! How am I fat? This is muscle!"

"And besides, I'm not going. I'm wounded." As Leolox spoke, he pulled up the blanket and lay back down.

"Ten Piggish Feet."

"Fine! When are we leaving?" At the mention of Piggish Feet, Leolox sprang upright like a spring.

Lantresuo also looked at Leiluo with an eager expression.

"In a few days. The first Winter Moon is coming soon."

Leolox and Lantresuo were both utterly confused by Leiluo's words, but neither asked. Leolox simply followed his boss in everything, while Lantresuo did not wish to cause any further trouble.

As for why they had to wait until after the first Winter Moon before setting out, only Leiluo knew.

"Sir, c-can I go with you?" The moment they left the wounded soldiers' camp, Garona impatiently asked Leiluo.

"You? What are you going for?"

Seeing the disgust on Leiluo's face, Garona's face immediately flushed red.

"I'm capable. I can cook, and I can use the Holy Light to heal you if you get hurt."

Hearing Garona's words, Leiluo suddenly burst out laughing.

"You're capable? You can cook? You make food like charcoal. And heal wounds? You think you're better than me?"

"B-but... I just want to be with you," Garona said softly.

"What?" Leiluo had already turned to leave, but when he heard Garona mumble something, he turned back and asked.

"N-nothing. I-I'll be going first."

Watching Garona hurry away in a fluster, Leiluo chuckled and left as well. He still had class today.

Shadowmoon Valley, the Shadowmoon Clan's Chieftain Hall.

A burly Ogre knelt there with both heads lowered, not daring to move.

"Saiyba failed?"

"Yes, my lord."

"That brat not only ruined my plan to control the orcs, but now he's cost me my sacrifice as well. Dammit!"

"My lord, shall I personally act and capture the Behemoth?"

"Forget it. Now isn't the time. Spread the word that Gul'dan has usurped the chieftain's position and fled to the Fireblade Clan."

The Ogre asked with a bewildered expression, "My lord, aren't you—"

"Shut up, idiot. Do what I tell you and don't ask questions. Otherwise, I'll use you as a sacrifice to summon demons. Understand?"

"Yes, yes, yes... This subordinate shouldn't have spoken out of turn. After spreading the news, what should I do?"

"Continue capturing Draenei. I need them."

"Yes, my lord. Then... my lord, this subordinate will take his leave," the Ogre asked cautiously.

"How many Draenei do you have now?"

"My lord, more than a thousand."

"You haven't been discovered, have you?"

"No. We captured them village by village and didn't leave any behind."

"Good. Send me the batch of Draenei you have directly."

"Send them directly? My lord, wouldn't that be somewhat improper?" the Ogre said hesitantly.

"Have you forgotten what I just said?"

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. My lord, this subordinate will return and have them sent over immediately."

"Mm. Leave."

Upon hearing this, the Ogre immediately retreated.

"Guards."

At once, a Black Robe appeared in the empty hall.

"Help me prepare the sacrifices. I want to contact a friend far away."

"Yes!"