Because Halaken, the Mother of Direwolves, was so reluctant to part with Rageclaw, Bai Xiaowen and Li Shuyi stayed at Redcrest Mountain Camp that night.
"Xiaowen, do you think King Kamush will agree to give you the Mother of Direwolves?" Li Shuyi asked softly.
"Master Rul knows the answer to that question best. In fact, he's already given us the answer."
Bai Xiaowen smiled. "Think back to what Rul said at the end."
Li Shuyi had Academic Ace-level memory too. After thinking for a moment, she said, "I think he said... agreeing to let us visit here was a mistake."
"Exactly... He knows what decision King Kamush will make, and that this decision will cost him the Mother of Direwolves. That's why he made that expression. Just wait. It won't be long before we're summoned by King Kamush. Then it'll be time to negotiate." Bai Xiaowen said.
King Kamush's summons had yet to arrive when the Shadowblade Clan came knocking first.
A close-combat dagger was hurled onto the stone floor in front of Bai Xiaowen, where it quivered faintly.
Two Elite Tier Shadowblade Orcs glared viciously at Bai Xiaowen. "The Overlord commands you to pick up this dagger! Human!"
"Who's the Overlord?" Bai Xiaowen tilted his head and looked toward Master Rul.
Master Rul's expression darkened slightly. "He's the guardian of the Shadowblade Clan's sacred grounds, the Ring of Glory... He has another title as well. He's called the Sword Saint!"
"As expected of the Shadowblade Sword Saint..."
Bai Xiaowen knew the customs of the Orcs. Bringing a dagger or short sword to an enemy was a challenge.
If the enemy picked up the weapon, it meant they accepted the challenge.
Bai Xiaowen asked, "The Shadowblade Sword Saint intends to challenge me? Will he appear in person?"
"Of course!"