Chương 48: The Return of Dog-Witch

In the following days, the 500 iron-spear elites struck out in all directions. Wild Goblin tribes suffered immensely as they were captured in droves. Their entry into the tribe didn't begin with a welcome feast, but with a series of "compliance beatings" to physically instill obedience. Li Qinwu promoted the bravest spearmen to junior officers, tasking them with managing the new recruits under the "Dean of Students" One-Ear's model.

The Three Steps of De-Wilding: Standing at attention, receiving the cane, and the "chalk-mark" system. Those who moved three times were executed on the spot. Under the threat of death and the promise of steady meals, the once-chaotic wild Goblins became workable labor in just three days. As the population surged toward 2, 000, logistics, mining, and hunting teams reached full capacity. Li Qinwu wasn't idle; he led teams on a "grinding spree" targeting Horned Crocodiles.

The goal was twofold: to gather armor plates to promote all his Hobgoblins to Goblin Warriors, and to stockpile system-rewarded meat. With 2, 000 mouths to feed, wild potatoes and fish traps weren't enough to fuel a total war; he needed warehouses overflowing with rations. Just as the meat stores were nearing capacity, an embassy from Dragon-Fang arrived. Accompanying them was a crippled, unrecognizable Dog-Witch. In his newly built wooden hall, Li Qinwu received the envoys.

A large Kobold, adorned with beast-tooth necklaces, bowed slightly.

"Respected Goblin Chief, Lord Dragon-Fang sends his regards. Our past conflict was a misunderstanding. As neighbors, peace should be our priority." Li Qinwu ignored him, his gaze fixed on Dog-Witch. The creature was a wreck: one leg was broken, his fur had been plucked in patches like a mangy mutt, his head was shaved bald, and his tail had been docked. He sat on the floor, trembling violently. Li Qinwu sneered. He had assumed Dog-Witch had been stewed long ago. Why had Dragon-Fang spared him?

Unbeknownst to him, as a system-generated follower, Dog-Witch's loyalty was hard-coded. Even under extreme torture, he hadn't revealed a single tribal secret. This "unnatural loyalty" had fascinated Dragon-Fang, who spared him out of a twisted respect for the talent. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

"My subordinate has been reduced to half a dog. You call this a misunderstanding?" Li Qinwu's voice turned cold. The envoy replied calmly, "Your vassal poisoned our tribute meat, killing nearly a hundred of our warriors. Lord Dragon-Fang's mercy in sparing him is our greatest gesture of sincerity. Now that he is returned, what say you, Chief?" Li Qinwu's heart skipped a beat. Wait, this guy is that capable? One poisoning took out 100 elite Great Kobolds?

If it weren't for that heavy blow, Dragon-Fang might have overwhelmed him in the last battle. He shifted on his Bone Throne—a trophy Dragon-Fang had left behind during his flight. It was poorly made and uncomfortable. Li Qinwu stood up, pointing at the throne.

"I've received your gesture. You can take this pile of bones back; that is my answer. However, the Ogre cubs are still in your hands. The adult Ogres are restless, and I won't be able to restrain them forever. For lasting peace, return the children." The envoy, delighted at the prospect of recovering his master's throne, agreed to relay the message and hurried away. Hana frowned as she approached.

"Are you really going to make peace with a brute like that?" Li Qinwu shot her a look.

"Remember, Miss Hana, there are only two kinds of Goblins in this world: the cunning and treacherous ones, and the treacherous and cunning ones." He then walked over to Dog-Witch. The creature whimpered, closing his eyes and bracing for a blow—he had, after all, failed his mission and returned a cripple. Instead, a heavy hand landed gently on his bald head, patting it.

"You've had a rough time, haven't you?"

"Boss..." Dog-Witch froze, tears welling in his eyes. He didn't hit me... he patted my head. This debt... I can never repay it in a hundred lifetimes!

"Alright, stop whimpering. Tell me, what's the situation over at Dragon-Fang's?" Dog-Witch sniffled and gave his report. After the defeat, Dragon-Fang had mobilized his entire tribe, including females. He had annexed multiple wild tribes, doubling his population. More importantly, Dragon-Fang was training his troops, equipping them with wooden spears and shields. Li Qinwu only laughed. Dragon-Fang was training? Did he dare implement "three-pulls-one-kill"?

Would he execute forty out of a hundred to ensure the rest followed orders? Without iron-fisted discipline, wooden spears were just kindling against steel-clad elites.

"Back to the crocodiles!" Li Qinwu declared, ignoring the threat. In his eyes, Dragon-Fang's desperate preparations were merely gathering more labor for the future King of Monsters. When the phalanx was ready, the Kobolds would meet their end.