[Chapter 28] Forcibly Intruding into Lizardman Territory

The news of this group’s arrival had already alerted the Lizardman chief, Lawang. In the large cavern of the Limestone Forest Mountain, upon learning that it was Chief Lon himself leading the team, Lawang decided to send his trusted subordinate Chocolate to intercept them near the valley entrance and clarify their intentions with Lon.

Trusted subordinate Chocolate asked, “Chief, if the wolf clan is merely borrowing our path to pass through, should we let them go?”

Lawang said, “That’s not acceptable! The Lizard Clan and the Wolf Clan had a mutual understanding hundreds of years ago: no humans are to be brought into the other’s territory. Lon has already broken this understanding first. Unless he leaves those humans behind for us to handle, I will not agree to let Lon and his wolf clan pass.”

Chocolate said, “According to the reconnaissance reports, Lon’s wolf clan is tightly protecting those humans. Judging by the situation, it seems impossible for them to agree to the terms you set, Chief.”

Lawang said, “If they refuse my terms, we will be forced to go to war. After all, they are in our territory, and whether in terms of numbers, terrain, or local features, we hold the advantage—and we can wait at ease while they tire themselves.”

Chocolate said, “Chief, we cannot underestimate the combat strength of the wolf clan. Also, those humans accompanying them—recon scouts described that, judging by their attire, they are not ordinary travelers. Among them is a pair, male and female, carrying blades and swords. Clearly, they came prepared.”

Lawang impatiently said, “Chocolate, why are you getting more timid with age? Just tell Lon exactly what I said. He’d better swallow it, or I will not let him just come and go as he pleases!”

Chocolate’s expression grew grave. “Chief, I once heard my grandfather say that over three hundred years ago, another group of humans forcibly intruded into the territories of the wolf clan and ours. At that time, the wolf clan only sent a small squad to block them. After being beaten back, they let the humans pass. But our ancestral chief would not allow them through and fought them, resulting in heavy sacrifices for us. I fear history repeating itself. Moreover, this time, it is the wolf clan chief Lon himself escorting them. We have no reason to confront the entire wolf clan head-on!”

Lawang said, “Not confronting Lon directly? Should we just let them come and go as they please? Treat me, Lawang, as if I were air? Regardless, my mind is made up. Just deliver my words as I command!”

Seeing that the chief’s attitude was resolute, Chocolate obediently fell silent and turned to leave.

When Lon and Father John’s group had just left Hell Valley and arrived at the entrance of Limestone Forest Mountain, they were intercepted by Chocolate and several guards.

Lon recognized Chocolate, and Shapo accompanied him as they approached.

Chocolate proactively cupped his hands in greeting, saying, “Chief Lon, I hope you are well. You are still vigorous as ever, your bearing unchanged from the old days.”

Lon smiled and said, “Chocolate, you haven’t aged much either! I have brought a few friends and need to borrow the path to enter the Nether Valley. We mean no trouble—please ask Chief Lawang for permission.”

Chocolate said, “Personally, I do not wish to make things difficult for Chief Lon. But our leader Lawang said that you broke the mutual understanding first.”

Shapo said, “We also do not wish to break the mutual understanding. But there is no alternative route for us to bring people into the Nether Valley.”

Chocolate said, “If you turn back now, I can guarantee you safe passage all the way.”

Lon’s tone was firm: “We cannot give up halfway. Borrowing the path to the Nether Valley is unavoidable. Please, Chocolate, relay to Chief Lawang that the wolf clan means no offense, but we must be allowed passage.”

Chocolate’s expression darkened. “Chief Lawang explicitly instructed that unless you leave these humans behind for us to handle, we will not let you pass.”

Lon turned to point, saying, “These human friends are esteemed guests of my wolf clan. Among them, the one holding the long saber is Captain David, who was once a prominent figure in the Dark World. Chief Lawang should have heard of him. If you insist that I leave them behind, not only will I refuse, but David himself would not agree. Chief Lawang, consider carefully—do you understand what a head-on confrontation would lead to?”

Chocolate followed Lon’s gesture, carefully scrutinizing Lin Xiaoyang and Huang Minhwa, and asked doubtfully, “I’ve heard rumors that over three hundred years ago, David was killed by the traitor Rufus on the battlefield. How could this Eastern man be David? Chief, don’t assume I’m ignorant.”

Lon, displeased, raised his voice: “He is indeed David reborn. Why would I lie to you?”

Chocolate said, “Fine, I will take your word for now. Please wait here for an hour. I will report to Chief Lawang and return to inform you of our leader’s decision.”

Chocolate signaled the guards, who immediately followed him back into Limestone Forest Mountain.

Chocolate returned to the large limestone cavern and hurried to meet Chief Lawang, briefly recounting his discussion with Lon.

Lawang asked, “Did you get a clear look at this reincarnated David?”

Chocolate analyzed, “Yes, Chief. I estimate that the Eastern youth possesses certain abilities. Although he appears refined and scholarly, the long saber he carries is clearly not just decorative. Lon emphasized that the youth is David reborn, which is probably true…”

Lawang thought for a moment and said, “If he really is David reborn, that’s troublesome. Don’t think I could easily bring him down. Even if we could kill him, we might offend Princess Maria of the Dark World. These vampires are not to be trifled with. Here’s the plan: I’ll have Montana take his elite armored troops to ambush Lon and his group on the plank path. Strike when possible, but if we can’t win, retreat—do not go head-to-head with them.”

Chocolate said with relief, “Chief, thinking this way is wise. Recognizing the situation is what makes a true man. Since they are hedgehogs, if we go head-on, we would surely suffer injuries. Moreover, if the man really is David, the god of war, Montana cannot defeat him, and no one in the clan would dare mock the chief behind his back.”

Lawang immediately instructed Montana, “Montana, take your troops and ambush Lon. If his group is too strong, fall back. Do not engage head-on to the end, so that our brothers will not suffer heavy casualties.”

Montana cupped his hands in acknowledgment: “Yes, I will act according to the circumstances.”

Lawang muttered under his breath, “That old Lon, he came here deliberately to cause me trouble…”

Montana led his armored troops into the ambush site, hiding in the shadows of the limestone forest. Outside the forest, Father John and his group waited for Chocolate, but after more than an hour, Chocolate had still not arrived as promised.

Lon impatiently said, “That old Chocolate, didn’t he say he would report back after an hour? Why isn’t he here yet?”

Father John said, “I fear something has changed; the Lizard Clan may deliberately be blocking our passage.”

Lon said, “Those damned lizards! If they dare to deceive me, let’s see how I stripped that old hide off Lawang!”

Father John said, “Speaking harshly won’t help. My instinct tells me the Lizard Clan acts politely before striking. We must never be careless or underestimate them, or they will find an opening.”

Lon said, “Then let Shapo and me take point. Our wolf clan’s hearing and smell are keen; these stinking lizards won’t fool us.”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “Brother Lon, I will accompany you at the very front. My reactions are quick.”

The group formed a line and entered the narrow paths of the limestone forest. Lin Xiaoyang, Lon, and Shapo led the formation, with Huang Minhwa, Father John, and Rona and Case in the center, Stron and Adorno at the rear. On the outer flanks, wolf clan brothers held strong bows and machetes, every nerve taut, alert expressions revealing their tension, fully aware that this stretch of path could be a matter of life and death.

On both sides of the mountain path were jagged stone pinnacles and potholes, providing hiding spots that were difficult to detect. Even though the wolf clan brothers had keen senses, if the Lizard Clan launched a sudden attack, there might be no time to react immediately.

The group entered a narrow mountain ravine path. Ahead was a wooden plank bridge. Based on experience, Lon suspected the Lizard Clan might have set an ambush here, so he signaled everyone to lower their bodies.

At that moment, Lin Xiaoyang first noticed figures crawling in the shadowy potholes above the ravine. He took a step, gathered his energy, placed his foot on the near-vertical cliff, and quickly climbed the rock face. Drawing his long saber, he leapt into the pothole. After a few sounds of blades striking, two Lizard Clan armored soldiers, along with their spears and iron hammers, fell into the ravine. They were still alive but immobilized. Most companions did not understand what had happened, but Father John and Huang Minhwa knew that Lin Xiaoyang had used pressure-point techniques to subdue the two soldiers. It seemed Xiaoyang did not intend to kill, leaving room for maneuver.

The armored army commander, Montana, saw their positions exposed. With a long whistle, he initiated an encirclement attack. The armored soldiers emerged from the shadows of potholes and cliff walls, surrounding Lon and his group. There were hundreds of soldiers in total.

Montana stood on a high point above the ravine and shouted to Lon and the others: “Chief Lon, your wolf clan has trespassed and ignored warnings, bringing humans to forcibly intrude on our territory, breaking our mutual understanding. Do not blame us for taking lethal action!”

No sooner had he spoken than the hundreds of armored soldiers, wielding spears and iron hammers, leapt into the ravine. The two sides engaged in close combat.

Lon urgently shouted, “Maintain formation! Do not let the enemy break our ranks!”

The wolf clan brothers, well-trained, formed a human wall to resist the enemy, enclosing Father John and the others within. They engaged the Lizard Clan armored soldiers in hand-to-hand combat. Seeing the enemy’s superior numbers and aggressive attacks, Father John and the others joined the fight, moving to the outer perimeter to fight alongside the wolf clan brothers.

Lin Xiaoyang judged that if no surprise tactics were used, the longer the battle continued, the more the wolf clan would suffer heavy casualties. He transmitted a secret command to Huang Minhwa to meet him. The husband and wife united, forming the Tai Chi sword formation, and directly charged the main force of the armored army, where Montana was positioned, cutting a living passage. Any weapon the armored soldiers touched was instantly severed by the blades, leaving the Lizard soldiers stunned.

Commander Montana, seeing their formidable skills but realizing they had no intention of killing, intuitively knew that a full-force attack would result in severe casualties for his side. He immediately shouted: “Ceasefire! Ceasefire!” His guards blew the horns, and the armored soldiers retreated to the sides of the cliffs, taking defensive stances. The combat halted.

A few wolf clan brothers were injured, but the wounds were minor, whereas the Lizard Clan had already lost a dozen or so soldiers.

Montana, escorted by his guards, approached Lin Xiaoyang and his wife, cupped his hands in respect, and said, “May I ask, are you the legendary Captain David of the Sky Castle Guards?”

Lin Xiaoyang sheathed his saber, returned the gesture, and said, “I am David.”

Montana respectfully said, “I have long admired your reputation. Today, seeing your skills in person, your fame is well deserved! I am Montana, captain of the Lizard Clan armored army.”

“Captain Montana, pleased to meet you.”

“Our Lizard Clan never intended to be enemies of the Dark World or the wolf clan. But this is our habitat; we had no choice but to confront you.” Montana’s tone was sincere, no longer the domineering manner from before.

Lin Xiaoyang said calmly, “Captain, please understand that our journey through your territory to the Nether Valley is unavoidable. We mean no provocation.”

“Indeed, the disparity between our forces is obvious. If it were not for Captain David restraining himself, my brothers would likely have been slaughtered. I will immediately withdraw my troops and report to the chief, making things easier for you and your companions.” Montana bowed deeply, then gestured to his subordinates. The armored soldiers lifted their fallen comrades and re-formed, orderly crossing the wooden bridge, with Montana at the rear overseeing the retreat.

At this moment, Lon and Father John finally breathed a sigh of relief. The wolf clan brothers cheered.

Father John and Lon approached Lin Xiaoyang and his wife.

Father John said, “Xiaoyang, if you had not acted so quickly with the sword formation to intimidate Montana, this battle would have continued, and both sides would likely have suffered massive casualties.”

Lon praised, “Brother David, the combined power of your swords with your wife—truly an eye-opener!”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “I originally planned to capture the leader first, subdue Montana, and force them to stop fighting.”

Father John said, “For the rest of this path, we still cannot let our guard down.”

Lon said, “By my estimation, these damned lizards won’t dare try to block our way again.”

After the wolf clan brothers bandaged the wounded, the group crossed the wooden bridge and continued forward.