C28 The Rank Six Warrior!

"Let's go."

With not a trace of fear, Qingyou whispered the command and strode confidently toward the tribe.

Lin Mo stayed hidden in the vehicle, observing the tribal surroundings. The architecture and decor were typical of orc tribes—rugged and functional, with no concern for aesthetics, as long as they provided shelter.

However, one distinct feature set this tribe apart: ironware was ubiquitous.

The craftsmanship and design of the ironware left much to be desired, yet it was clear evidence that the Bear-men of this tribe had acquired basic metallurgical skills.

"Cat-man, go and negotiate with the Patriarch."

Upon reaching the grandest house deep within the tribe, the Bear-man who had relayed the message was already there, waiting. He nodded to Qingyou and spoke.

"Lillian, bring a barrel of alcohol, and the rest of you wait here for us."

Qingyou instructed Lillian in a soft voice. Lillian nodded, hoisting a barrel of alcohol onto her shoulder.

"Yes, Saintess!"

The other Cat-man warriors responded with crisp unity.

Qingyou and Lillian pushed aside the door curtain and entered the room, immediately noticing the Bear-man Patriarch seated prominently at the head of the room.

The Bear-man towered at least three meters high, forcing Qingyou and Lillian to crane their necks to meet his gaze, even while he was seated.

The Bear-man Patriarch's physique was formidable, and a long scar over his left eye lent his face a fearsome, battle-hardened countenance.

"Cat-man, I am the Patriarch of the Thunderclaw Tribe, a Rank Six Warrior. Which tribe do you hail from?"

The Bear-man Patriarch inquired.

A Rank Six Warrior!

Qingyou swallowed hard, a tinge of nervousness creeping in.

"I am Qingyou, the Saintess of the Cat-man Clan, and this is my friend, Lillian, the Battle Witch of the White Feather Tribe. The Cat-man Clan is now united; we no longer divide into separate tribes."

Qingyou answered.

"United, you say? That's quite intriguing. Was it the Featherman Clan that aided your unification? Well, it's of no concern to me. Bring me the wine to taste first."

The Bear-man Patriarch spoke, his eyes fixed intently on the wine barrel resting on Lillian's shoulder.

With a swift heave, Lillian hoisted the barrel and hurled it toward him.

With a resounding thump, the Bear-man Patriarch effortlessly caught the wine barrel with a single hand.

"Not bad, Featherman girl, you've got some muscle," he remarked, casting an approving glance at Lillian. Without hesitation, he chomped through the barrel's seal and guzzled the wine down.

"Now that's what I call a fine drink! It's been ages since I've savored wine this good. I'll take both carts you've brought. So, what's the proposition, little Cat-man lady?"

The Bear-man Patriarch was all smiles as he spoke.

"I seek the rights to the Thunderclaw Tribe's iron mine. In exchange, we will supply two carts of wine each month," Qingyou stated earnestly, locking eyes with the Bear-man Patriarch.

"Iron ore? What could the Cat-man possibly want with that? Smelting iron is no easy task, and given the strength of your people, even breaking the ore would be a challenge," he said, his smile fading into a skeptical frown.

"That's for us to handle. Rest assured, we have our methods."

"Is that so? Now you've piqued my interest. If the Cat-man have a way, I'm all ears," the Bear-man Patriarch said, his eyes narrowing as he exuded an imposing presence.

Though his words seemed courteous, the underlying threat was unmistakable.