Chapter 175: The Mischievous Child

The news had all of Orgrimmar celebrating jubilantly for many days.

Many houndpeople subtly knew about Wu Qingsong’s connections with the eastern wolfkin rebels. They understood that the sustainability of the Thirteenth Mercenary Group, unlike other mercenary corps that brutally exploited the lower ranks, relied on the substantial profits from smuggling. However, apart from a few like Angus and Beck, most were unaware of Wu Qingsong’s true objectives.

Wu Qingsong was confident they would all follow him, as he was the only one who could offer them such a lifestyle. Yet, he felt there was no need to reveal these matters to those outside his core circle until the very last moment.

Thus, the majority of Orgrimmar’s members were genuinely happy for Wu Qingsong’s elevation, a peak that most half-elves could never dream of reaching in their lifetimes. And Wu Qingsong had managed to achieve this in just over two years since forming the Thirteenth Mercenary Group.

Regarding other beast races, aside from a few lionfolk and tauren, no other species had reached such a status.

“This time, Ram, Ling, and Liuli will come with me,” Wu Qingsong said. 

Without Ram’s assistance, he wasn’t sure he could handle the situation smoothly, and he brought Ling and Liuli to manage any emergencies. 

“Harold, Angus, Feya, I leave Orgrimmar in your care while I’m away.”

“Rest assured, my lord. I’ll defend Orgrimmar with my life,” Angus immediately declared, while Harold simply nodded.

Feya felt somewhat disappointed, as this arrangement made her feel somewhat excluded. However, Wu Qingsong and Ram had spoken with her several times, explaining that it wasn’t that they didn’t want to bring her along, but without her to protect it, they couldn’t leave Orgrimmar with peace of mind. 

Ling and Liuli also spent a long time persuading her, promising to bring her gifts, which finally made her accept this arrangement.

There were three routes from Esola to the imperial capital, Padamia.

The northern route was too far and time-consuming, so they didn’t consider it.

The second route was the one they used for smuggling to the Silver Moon Wolf Clan. It went through the Tecks mountains, headed east across Baron Elyar’s territory, and followed the main road through the Sentalus Duchy straight to Padamia. The first half of this route was all mountainous, but once they entered the Sentalus Duchy, it became smooth sailing. The latter part even included a boat ride, taking roughly a month one way.

The third route headed west to Targal, from where they would take a boat down the Benaris River to Port Benaris, switch to a sea ship, and then travel along the southern sea route around the southern tip of the continent into the Ambiga Sea, then upstream on the Andrus River to reach Padamia. 

This route was almost entirely by water, three times longer than the second route, and would take an additional twenty days or more. There were risks of fishmen attacks and storms along the way, but overall, it was more relaxing as it involved mostly boat travel, requiring little physical effort.

Liuli really wanted to travel by boat because, despite having seen many sea ships during her time in Umber, she had never actually traveled by this mode of transport. However, Ram clearly preferred to take the second route to visit the territory of the Silver Moon Wolf Clan.

It had been several months since her last visit, and though they had kept in touch through letters, she was eager to see how Nina was doing and meet her in person.

“We’ll travel by land on the way there, and take a boat back,” Wu Qingsong decided.

The team was similar to their previous journey, with Beck leading five houndmen as guards and also carrying a batch of newly made soap and seeds.

The journey was uneventful, but to their disappointment, when they arrived at the Silver Moon Wolf Clan’s rebel camp in the Tecks Valley, Nina was not there. She had led a team north.

“Do you need her for something? I can send someone to notify her right away,” the old badger Bernar offered.

“Uncle Bernar, never mind, we can meet another time,” Ram said, somewhat disappointed.

The group settled in the valley. Ram caught up with Bernar and others on recent developments within the Silver Moon Wolf Clan. Meanwhile, Wu Qingsong, accompanied by Ling and Liuli, was leisurely strolling through the valley when suddenly, a group of adolescent wolfkin sprang from nowhere, blocking their path.

“Are you the guy who tricked Sister Ram away?” 

The leader was a wolfboy, about twelve or thirteen years old, taller than his peers, carrying a large sword like other young wolfkins. His attire and decorations suggested he held a significant status.

“Tricked?” 

Wu Qingsong was both amused and bemused. This age was not exactly young for a wolfkin, essentially still children, perhaps going through their rebellious phase.

He wasn’t in the mood to explain, so he said, “Kid, adult matters aren’t your concern, this is beyond your understanding.”

“Don’t underestimate us,” the young wolfkin retorted loudly and seriously. “I challenge you to a duel! If I win, you must return Sister Ram!”

“Return her? I’m not holding her captive, you know,” Wu Qingsong shook his head, attempting to leave, but the young wolfkins surrounded them, several drawing their swords.

“Don’t think you can just leave!” they shouted, blocking Wu Qingsong’s way. “If you want to take Sister Ram away, you’ll have to defeat us first!”

Wu Qingsong had no intention of fighting them, but their attitude was starting to irk him. Just as he was about to give them a mild reprimand, Ram’s voice suddenly called out from nearby: “Daryl, what do you think you’re doing?!”

The young wolfmen suddenly became flustered, yet they were reluctant to show embarrassment in front of Wu Qingsong, particularly the leader. He hesitated briefly before declaring loudly, “Sister Ram, we were just hoping to learn some sword techniques from this gentleman.”

“Why would you seek sword lessons from him?” Ram approached quickly. “Daryl, is this how you treat guests? You should know who he is.”

“We don’t need his help!” Daryl retorted loudly. “Only true warriors deserve to be our allies! This half-elf doesn’t qualify!”

“Are you questioning my decision and your sister’s?” Ram challenged.

Daryl gritted his teeth and yelled, “Stop using my sister to pressure me. Are your decisions always correct? Forget it, you always treat me like a child, but in reality, you know nothing!”

“We’re leaving,” he shouted.

“If it weren’t for your sister… Daryl, Daryl!” Ram called after him, but they left without turning back.

“This is Nina’s…?”

Ram nodded and then sighed softly.