The intelligence indicated that a winged undead creature resembling Giovani had been cited, suggesting the likelihood that he had perished and been transformed into a revenant.
The Red Duke continued, "So, does this imply that it was orchestrated by Odysius?" One of the Blood Clan members inquired, "The Bone King Odysius was a premier sovereign of the undead in this region.
Only he possessed the capability to transform troops and the audacity to challenge the Hamilton family.
" No, it is not Odysius, the Red Duke, replied, shaking his head slightly.
The letter mentioned two locations, north of Pearl City and the Orc market of Manom.
I recall that Master Giovani indeed possessed an estate north of Pearl City.
A Blood Clan member whispered.
Another remarked, "Your grace, I shall immediately dispatch the thin bloods to investigate these two locations and ascertain Master Giovani's whereabouts.
" No, the orc side is currently embroiled in war.
Do not send anyone there just yet.
Who is the current lord of Pearl City, the Red Duke spoke calmly, undeterred by the news of Giovani's demise.
Even though he did not regard the scattered orc forces as a threat, he had no desire to provoke those simple-minded brutes.
They were troublesome to deal with, and negotiations were often simpler after a display of force.
Moreover, the thin bloods being human trained scouts of the blood clan could venture in a sunlight, allowing them to integrate more easily into human society rather than among the orcs.
Your grace, the lord's name is Sirill.
He is rather mediocre in both strength and governance.
The Red Duke pondered for a moment, failing to conjure an image of this individual in his mind.
The Hiwe Highlands were managed by the Blood Clan, and the subordinate human villages were required to remit sufficient blood taxes monthly.
This arrangement had spared the Blood Clan from hunting in human cities for decades, fostering a period of mutual stability.
Moreover, the Red Duke had been asleep for an extended period.
Naturally, he was oblivious to the changes in human cities.
Mediocrity is a boon for us.
I shall assign the pale-blooded to investigate this matter in Plural City as I require ample information, the Red Duke stated solemnly.
Understood.
Your grace.
I shall attend to it at once, a Blood Clan member replied.
The Red Duke nodded.
Whether it was searching for clues regarding Giovani s disappearance or the sudden emergence of a necroantic force near the territory, both warranted a thorough reconnaissance.
Should there indeed be a necroantic power rapidly gaining strength without any discernable backing, he would not hesitate to mobilize troops to eradicate this force.
Reclaim the blood clan's tomes and obliterate the undead's domain.
Go to the blood forge and select two young humans to bring to my chamber.
The red duke instructed softly as he slowly rose.
Yes, your grace, the blood servant replied, nodding before departing to procure the evening s repassed for the duke.
The following morning, as dawn broke, Fong Hao awoke, stretching languidly.
Beside him, Eier nestled like a kitten in his embrace, her face a glow with joy as she gazed at him.
"Good morning," Eir said, rolling over to straddle Fong how, her voice sultry.
"Master is being lazy.
It's already this late, and you're still in bed.
" Her silken skin and enchanting voice tanalyzed fong how senses rendering the early morning quite unbearable.
Just then the conchk shell on the bedside table emitted a signal indicating that a message had been received.
Fongghao furrowed his brow.
It was the conchk designated forun and tong yo gently tapping e air to quiet her.
He turned over and held the conchk to his ear.
Immediately tong yo s deep voice resonated from the conchk.
My lord, we have successfully conquered the Skullcrusher tribe.
Under the persuasion of the Cold Wind Mountains, all are willing to submit.
I have arranged for Kenji to await you in the city where Lord Jong Bin resides.
So soon, Fonho pondered.
Normally, such a march would require at least 3 days.
Yet, they had seized the Skull Crusher tribe within 2 days.
Upon reflection, the realization dawned.
The undead differed from the orcs.
Despite their robust physique, orcs required to establish camps, and even when marching in daylight needed over three days.
However, the undead were relentless, traveling and fighting day and night.
Moreover, with Kenji the Clipper guiding them, their pace would undoubtedly surpass that of a conventional march.
The only one needing rest would be Tong Yo.
Yet, it appeared he had scarcely paused, accompanying the army straight to the Skull Crusher tribe.
Is there something you need, Master E? Air, now dressed, inquired with curiosity.
Yes, I must step out shortly.
Please prepare a simple breakfast, Fonggho replied as he rose from bed.
All right, Eier said, descending to prepare the morning meal while Fong Hao began his morning routine, engaging in a brief workout.
After completing a lap, Eir had finished preparing breakfast.
Following their meal, they Fong Hao, accompanied by the still drowsy and Ja, ascended upon the skeletal dragon.
With two additional skeletal dragons laden with undead trolls, they soared into the sky.
After picking up the trapper Kenji in the city under Jeang Bin's command, they followed his guidance towards the Frost Wind Mountains, heading for the location of the crushed skull tribe.
As they entered the Frost Wind Mountains, the temperature plummeted sharply.
The air was thick with clouds and mist with towering mountains overlapping each other and the winding paths twisting through the terrain.
Occasionally they would encounter a denser patch of forest surrounded by scattered villages.
This region in comparison to the outside world was indeed resource poor.
Under Kenji's command, the skeletal dragon arrived above the crushed skull tribe.
A dense throng of undead soldiers encircled the tribe below.
As the skeletal dragon descended, Fireblade and Copperbull approached to greet them.
My lord, Fireblade exclaimed, "How fair is the situation here?" Fongo dismounted from the skeletal dragon and inquired.
After our army's arrival, their shaman offered little resistance and persuaded the remaining scattered tribes of the Frost Wind Mountains to submit.
Fireblade explained as they walked, "And the chieftains?" Fungho asked, "All the tribal leaders are gathered in the hall awaiting your arrival.
Very well, let us proceed inside.
Chapter 218.
The seventh level of Frost Wind City.
Upon entering the chieftain's hall, Fong Ha was taken aback by the sight before him.
Over 500 tribal leaders stood within the Grand Chamber, far exceeding the 212 tribes mentioned by Kenji.
Even if each tribe had two leaders, such a multitude seemed implausible.
Accompanied by the guardians of Fireblade and others, Fongo advanced further into the hall.
Why are there so many? he inquired in a hush tone.
Fireblade replied, "The news of the demise of Shattered Skull spread overnight, leading to the emergence of numerous factions by this morning.
We had no choice but to admit them all.
It seemed that the traditions of the tribes remained unchanged.
Shattered Skull had summoned warriors from various villages, leaving each tribe devoid of substantial fighting strength.
It is one night so many villages had splintered off.
Had Fong Ho chosen to eradicate them all, those embroiled in internal strife would have found it difficult to withstand his advance.
Understood, Fong Hao acknowledged as he ascended the steps and took his place upon the throne of the great chieftain.
The foremost figure, an elderly man draped in a cloak and leaning on a staff, was the first to exclaim, "Hail, great chieftain.
" The remaining disordered orc leaders paused momentarily, gazing at the young human seated above before kneeling in unison and shouting, "Hail, great chieftain.
" Funhow cast a glance at the elder leader, Shaman Clay, purple tier three hero.
It appeared he was the priest Kenji had mentioned, and remarkably, he was a tier three hero.
The prefix shaman reminded him of Nelson's title, corpse mage.
Such prefixes were distinct from others, closely aligned with one's vocation, akin to an inherited title or position.
All right, rise.
Fonhow commanded.
As Shaman Clay stood, all the orcs followed suit.
In their hierarchy, shamans held considerable influence akin to spiritual leaders in contemporary terms.