Amid the thick night fog, I couldn't make out the other person's features clearly. However, from his build, I could tell at a glance that he must be a Behemoth. But who could it be? The situation at hand left me no time to think further. Saving my life was the top priority. If I were hit, given the opponent's strength and my half-baked Heavenly Thunder Armor technique, there would only be one outcome – I'd be beaten into a pulp.
There was no choice but to fight. I channeled all the Dark Power I had left into my hands, which emitted a faint black aura. I resorted to the same method as before – a head-on clash. (Later, after suffering numerous defeats due to the principle of "brute force overcomes finesse" in many battles, I finally understood the importance of technique.) I punched the opponent's fists with both of mine simultaneously. I noticed that after channeling the Dark Power into my hands, the meridians that had been injured earlier quickly recovered by six or seven-tenths.
"Boom..."
I felt as if my whole body was splitting apart. I was sent flying by the opponent's overpowering strength, spat out a mouthful of blood, and landed heavily on the open ground five meters away. If it weren't for the Dark Power I used, that single punch alone would have cost me half my life.
For some unknown reason, the opponent didn't continue the pursuit. If he had followed up with another punch, I would surely have been doomed. I managed to climb up from the ground, stumbled a bit, and then steadied myself. I couldn't help but vomit another mouthful of blood.
The opponent let out a "Huh?"
I forced myself to look up, and when I focused, I was stunned. The powerful enemy who had tried to kill me turned out to be my father.
I asked hoarsely, "Dad? Why is it you?"
A satisfied smile appeared on my father's face. He said, "I didn't expect that you could withstand two of my punches. I can now rest assured and let you go complete the mission."
Complete a mission? My mind was filled with doubts.
My father continued, "I used one-tenth of my strength in the first punch and added another tenth in the second. I thought you should have been unable to get up, but you're still standing. It seems you've been working hard lately." Perhaps that was the reason for his earlier surprise.
I smiled bitterly inside. Was this really my father? He completely disregarded his son's life and death. If my strength had been a bit weaker, I might have gone to the underworld to accompany my grandmother.
"What was that black aura around your hands just now?" my father asked.
I was secretly startled. Remembering what my grandmother had said about not letting my father know about the existence of the Heavenly Demon Art, I feigned surprise and said, "What black aura? You must be mistaken. Is it because it's too dark?"
My simple-minded father didn't think much of it. He just frowned and said, "Alright, go back. Come see me tomorrow morning. I have a mission for you."
I nodded and said calmly, "Okay." Then, I dragged my aching body and walked back.
The Behemoth's body was indeed extremely sturdy. Moreover, since I had completed the first stage of the Heavenly Thunder Armor technique, which was to be reborn and transformed, it only took one night for my injuries to recover by seven or eight-tenths.
What kind of mission did my father want me to complete? Send me to lead the troops to fight? Impossible. My several older brothers were all at home. There was no reason to send me, a novice on the battlefield. What could the mission be? Besides warfare, with my father's prestige in the Orc tribe, other matters were just a matter of a single word. Why would he need me?
With a nervous heart, I came to my father's room door and knocked gently. My father's deep voice rang out, "Who is it?"
"Father, it's me, Lei Xiang."
"Come in."
I pushed open the door and walked slowly into the room. My father was sitting upright in a large armchair, looking at me with squinted eyes. I stood there calmly, not the least bit affected by his sharp gaze.
"Lei Xiang, you've grown up. I always thought you were the most useless coward before. But since your wild transformation four years ago, your performance has made me very satisfied. Although you don't have the burly build of your brothers, your strength is no less than theirs, and your potential is even higher. The Orc King has given me a very important mission, and I want to send you to complete it."
So, it was a mission assigned by the Orc King. There was no change in my expression. I just asked in a calm voice, "What is the mission? Give it to me. I will definitely complete it." No matter what difficulties I encountered, I had to overcome them. I wanted to become a peerless powerhouse and show my father. Thinking of my grandmother's death, a flash of hatred passed through my eyes. Since my grandmother's death, I had learned to hide my true feelings. No one could see through my real thoughts. I would never show my hatred for my father until I became powerful. But the seeds of hatred had been deeply planted in my heart. I would definitely avenge my grandmother.
"Good. You truly are my son, Lei Ao's son. The Orc King asked me to find someone to go undercover among the humans. You know, our orcs have always been the weakest among the three major races. Why? First, because we can't use magic. Second, because orcs generally have low intelligence and don't have as many outstanding generals as the humans. This mission is to steal their tactical and magic information among the humans."
"Go undercover among the humans?"
"Yes. You're only 16 years old this year, and most importantly, you have human blood in you. With your human appearance, you should be able to blend in with the humans. I'll give you five to ten years. You must learn everything you can and bring it back. Then, we'll spend another ten years training our troops. In the future, the continent will be our orcs' world. So, you should understand the importance of this mission. If you succeed in completing this mission, the position of the Behemoth King will be yours in the future."
What my father said was indeed true. It seemed that the Orc King wasn't a complete fool. He still knew the weaknesses of his own people. This was indeed a good method. But whether it could be achieved depended on me. For me, this was also a very good opportunity. If I could learn human knowledge, it would indeed be the best way to enhance my strength. Moreover, after all, I had orc blood in me. Making the orcs stronger was also what I desired.
I replied firmly, "Father, don't worry. I won't let you down."
My father nodded in satisfaction and said, "Good. Tomorrow, I'll take you to see the Orc King. Then, I'll have a merchant who is familiar with humans train you for three months, and then you can set off."
"Yes, Father. Then I'll take my leave first."
Having received my father's approval, I exited his room. On the way back to my own quarters, my heart was in a tumult, something I hadn't experienced in four long years. Humans? Were they the same as I looked? Here I come, Lei Xiang.
Back in my room, I still couldn't contain my excitement. Perhaps I should practice some martial arts. I changed into my training clothes and headed to the courtyard. First, I circulated the Heavenly Thunder Armor technique throughout my body. Then, with a loud shout, I began to practice the Heavenly Thunder Eighteen Punches that my father had taught me. This set of boxing was entirely designed for charging into battle, with wide, sweeping movements. It was most suitable for Behemoths. My father had created it only in the past two years. Each punch was filled with an indomitable momentum, a direct and forceful style of combat.
As if the air itself were my enemy, I put all my strength into each punch. The sounds of "Boom, boom, boom, boom" echoed continuously as I struck. The courtyard was filled with a cloud of dust kicked up by my fists.
I didn't stop until I was completely exhausted. Sweat drenched my entire body, yet I felt an indescribable sense of comfort.
It was my first time visiting the Orc King's palace. I looked around in wonder at the tall buildings. Although the craftsmanship was rather rough, a powerful aura permeated everywhere. All the houses were built with huge granite blocks, giving an impression of extraordinary solidity and solemnity.
My father and I stopped in front of the largest building. The leopard guards at the entrance, seeing my father, said very respectfully, "King Lei Ao, hello."
My father grunted and said, "Inform the king for me."
The guard bowed and said, "Yes." Then he turned around and shouted loudly, "King Lei Ao of the Behemoths requests an audience." The voice echoed like waves, carrying towards the interior of the palace. Soon, another leopard guard emerged from the palace and came up to my father. He bowed and said, "King Lei Ao, His Majesty requests your presence." Then he turned around and led the way in front of us.
My father and I followed him into the most magnificent building I had ever seen. This hall where the Orc King held court was a full 20 meters high, supported on both sides by huge granite columns with a diameter of one meter. My two - meter - tall frame seemed so tiny in comparison.
While I was still looking around, my father tugged at me, and then his voice came, "Your subject, Lei Ao, brings his son, Lei Xiang, to pay respects to Your Majesty." I quickly dropped to my knees and shouted in unison with my father, "Long live the king! Long live! Long live!"
A deep, steady voice came from the front, "Rise. We brothers don't need such formalities." My father and I stood up together. When I raised my head, I finally saw the king of our orc tribe.
The Orc King was a lion - man. Sitting there, it was hard to tell his height, but he was surely taller than me. He was probably around my father's age. His powerful body was dressed in a python - patterned robe with a jade belt, and a glittering golden crown sat on his head. He was sizing me up as well. The intimidating look in his eyes told me that he definitely had strength no less than my father's. His wise gaze was something I had never seen before. No wonder he could rule over the orcs. He truly had his outstanding qualities.
"Lei Ao, this is your youngest son. If you hadn't said so, I really would have thought he was human."
"Yes, Your Majesty. The child's mother is human. He has inherited the strength of our Behemoth clan and also his mother's appearance."
The Orc King exclaimed in admiration, "No wonder you said your youngest son is the best candidate for undercover work. The humans will never recognize that he has our orc blood. Child, the future prosperity or decline of our orcs is placed in your hands. Don't let me and your father down."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Your subject (since I am the deputy commander of the Behemoth Legion, I also address myself as subject) will surely do my utmost and die in the service."
"Good. Brother Lei Ao, how is your youngest son's martial arts?"
My father laughed heartily and said, "Your Majesty, you can rest assured. He can now directly withstand a palm strike from me with 30% of my power. (My father exaggerated for his own pride. I have trouble even with 20%.) Although his build is not like that of our Behemoth clan, he definitely has the strength of a Behemoth."
The Orc King didn't doubt my father's words. He said happily, "Truly, heroes emerge from the young. Good, it's settled then. Lei Xiang will go undercover in the Dragon God Empire. This matter is highly confidential. You must not disclose it to anyone. For this operation, I haven't even informed our ally, the Demon race. Lei Xiang, you may face extremely great difficulties. However, this mission must succeed, not fail. Otherwise, this king will not be lenient. As long as you complete this mission, I will appoint you as your father's successor, the next Behemoth King." The Orc King was using both kindness and severity. At the same time, it showed his great importance attached to this mission.
I quickly dropped to my knees again, "Yes, Your Majesty. Your subject will definitely not fail Your Majesty's great trust."
The Orc King then turned to my father and said, "Alright, that's it. Tomorrow, I will send the selected merchant to your mansion to teach Lei Xiang some human etiquettes and matters to note."
My father said, "Yes, Your Majesty. Then your subject will take his son and take leave first."
After leaving the palace, my father actually patted me on the shoulder affectionately and said happily, "Son, you must bring honor to our Behemoth clan. This is a great opportunity. His Majesty really has high hopes for you."
I replied indifferently, "Yes, Father."
Starting from the day after I met the Orc King, I began to learn human etiquette from those merchants who had been to the Dragon God Empire. My memory and imitative ability exceeded their imagination. The training that was originally planned for three months was completed in just one month, and they had nothing more to teach me. Since I learned human etiquette and heard stories about humans, my interest in the human kingdom became even stronger. After all, I have a quarter of human blood. What was my mother's country like?
A deep voice came from outside, "Lei Xiang, Father is looking for you." It was my eldest brother, Lei Long. Among the three brothers, only the eldest brother was relatively kind to me. The other two brothers simply looked down on me. It would be a blessing if they didn't bully me.
I walked out of the room. The bright sunlight made my whole body feel warm. My eldest brother's burly figure appeared in front of me. Standing next to him, I seemed so small.
"Eldest brother, why did you come in person? Why didn't you send a messenger to inform me?" I said indifferently.
"Hehe, I happened to be at Father's place, so I dropped by to see you. I heard that you're going out to carry out a secret mission. We won't see each other for a long time."
I nodded and didn't reply. My eldest brother was used to my attitude and wasn't surprised.
"Alright, here we are. Go in by yourself. I'll leave first."
"Okay. Goodbye." After replying, I walked directly into my father's room. Father was sitting behind his large desk, looking at a stack of papers in his hand.
"Father, I'm here." Father looked up, glanced at me, and then handed me the papers in his hand, saying, "Take a look. These are the identity materials for your undercover mission this time. You need to memorize them on the way. I heard from those merchants that you've already mastered everything they taught you. This matter should be done as soon as possible. Tomorrow, pack your things and set off quietly by yourself."
I took the papers and saw that it read: Name: Lei Xiang, from Luomu Village on the outskirts of Aika City in the Dragon God Empire. Father, Lei Fu, a craftsman. Mother, Shadie, engaged in handicraft production. He has loved martial arts since childhood. His father passed away when he was 10 years old, and his mother passed away when he was 13. He has been wandering and training alone on the continent for three years until now. He is introverted... The rest were detailed introductions about the identity. Judging from the materials, it was very well - crafted without any loopholes. I knew that this person with the same name as me must have been killed by my father's subordinates. This was my father's usual style. He wouldn't leave the slightest chance for the enemy.
I turned around, took a deep look at the city where I had lived for sixteen years, took a deep breath, and began my journey to complete the mission.
Father arranged for me to go directly to the capital of the Dragon God Empire - Dragon City, where there was Tiandu Academy, one of the four major human academies. My task was to go there for further study and try to learn every bit of knowledge I could. It was May now, and Tiandu Academy started enrolling students in August. So I had to arrive there before August to take the entrance examination.
The weather today was very good. The blue sky was cloudless, and the clear chirping of birds could be heard from time to time in the trees on both sides of the road. Having left the cage where I had lived for sixteen years, my mood was as clear as the sky.
I was wearing a warrior's outfit and a large hat on my head. A three - foot - long veil hung down from the hat, making it impossible for people to see my face from the outside. This was still the orc's country, and humans were still very unpopular. So, I had to cover my human appearance to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Before leaving home, I went to see my mother. She was still the same, with empty eyes and not liking to talk. When I went, she paid little attention to me.
"Mom, I'm going on a long journey. I'm afraid I won't be able to come back for a short time."
She just glanced at me and turned her head away, ignoring me. It seemed that she didn't care about my life or death. After all these years, I was already numb. No one had given me warmth except my grandmother.
But after all, she was my mother. Although she didn't raise me, I was still born by her. I let out a deep sigh and said, "Mom, I'm going to the Dragon God Empire this time."
Hearing my words, her whole body trembled. She turned around and said, "Is it true? You're going to the Dragon God Empire?" For the first time, my mother's eyes were no longer cold. There was a glimmer of humanity in them.
I nodded heavily, "Yes, I'm going there to complete a secret mission."
My mother stood up unsteadily from the bed. I quickly stepped forward to support her. She murmured, "Empire, empire, Father King, Father King, Afeng, Afeng."
"Lei Xiang, can you do me a favor?"
I nodded and said, "Go ahead. As long as it's within my power, I will definitely do it for you."
My mother took out a small bell from under the mattress. She shook it with her hand, and it made a clear ringing sound. The bell seemed to be made of a special material and emitted a faint blue light. Her eyes showed a very complex expression, sometimes gentle, sometimes angry, sometimes helpless. She reluctantly handed the bell to me, and a glistening teardrop fell on the bell.
"When you go to the Dragon God Empire, find a person named Lin Feng and give this bell to him. Tell him, tell him that Lingling is sorry for him." After saying these words, my mother's tears gushed out like a spring, and she fell onto the bed. I stood there, holding the bell in my hand, not knowing what to do.
My mother seemed to be tired from crying. She took out a necklace from her bosom. It was made of small silver beads, and there was a delicate little dragon carved from amethyst hanging on it. She looked at me silently for a moment and then put the necklace around my neck.
"I have never taken care of you for a single day. You help me complete this task, and this necklace can be considered as my payment to you." Her words were still so heartless.
I tried my best to hold back the endless sadness in my heart. I tightly grasped the dragon carved from amethyst, letting the hard crystal pierce my palm. I took a deep breath to calm my agitated mood and said, "Okay, I will definitely deliver it for you." Then, without looking back, I turned and left my mother, who gave birth to me but hated me.
However, when I was about to leave the door, I still asked my eldest brother to take care of her.
I had already traveled a long way from the Orc Imperial City, and my mood gradually improved. Since I had never been on a long journey before, everything seemed so novel to me.
The sun had risen to the zenith. Although it was still May, the sunlight was already very fierce. After walking for the whole morning, I was a bit tired. I looked up and found that there was a simple shed on the right side of the road. I guessed there might be some food for sale. I walked forward quickly. Sure enough, it was a fruit stand. The owner was a female werewolf, who seemed to be in her fifties.
When she saw me approaching the stand, she asked, "What kind of fruit would you like to eat? These are all grown by myself. They are definitely fresh."
I took out a silver coin and threw it to her, saying coldly, "Give me some of each kind."
Seeing that I had a bad temper, she didn't dare to say much. She immediately wrapped some of each kind and handed them to me. It was really a big package, enough for ten people to eat. How could I finish all of it?
"Not that much. Take out three - quarters of it. Give the rest to me."
A look of embarrassment appeared on the old woman's face. She said, "But I don't have any money to give you back."
I thought to myself, couldn't she even make change for a silver coin? Were the orcs' lives this hard? I couldn't help but ask, "Is life so difficult? You don't need to give me change. Just take out the extra fruits."
As the old woman took out the fruits, she said helplessly, "You're really a kind person. With continuous wars, it's still relatively better here because it's close to the capital. The common people in those war - torn areas are even worse off. Among our orcs, only those who are soldiers or have strong martial arts can have enough to eat. For someone like me who can't fight, it's very difficult to make a living. Is this amount of fruit enough?"
I took the fruits she handed me. My heart couldn't help but feel a bit sad. It was always the common people who suffered in wars. It should be the same in any country.
I picked up the fruits and was just about to leave when a sinister voice said, "Kid, leave the valuable things on you. Otherwise, heh heh, you'll be our dinner tonight, big guy."
I turned around. Three people had surrounded me from behind, a bear - man, a fox - man, and a werewolf. The one who spoke should be the fox - man. Fox - men were the most cunning race among the orcs. They were all very ordinary characters.
I snorted coldly, "Robbery?"
The three of them laughed simultaneously. The bear - man sneered, "Nonsense. What else would we stop you for if not for robbery? Don't make us waste our breath. Hand over your 财物 quickly, or we'll roast you tonight to go with our wine."
I asked calmly, "Do you often rob and eat passers - by?"
This time, the werewolf answered, "You're right. This world is about the law of the jungle. The weak can only become the food and prey of the strong. Don't you even understand such a simple truth?"
I swept a glance at them and said, "Okay, I understand. Thank you for your teaching."
I took a heavy step forward and punched the strongest among them, the bear - man.
Obviously, they didn't expect me to fight back. The werewolf's knife and the fox - man's long sword both slashed at me at the same time. I ignored them and still punched straight at the bear - man. The bear - man's build was similar to mine, but he looked much fatter. Seeing me attacking him, he didn't hold back at all. He stretched out his huge bear's paw to grab my fist.
If I hadn't been wearing a hat, they should have been able to see a sneer at the corner of my mouth.
The bear - man was the first to suffer. When our fists and palms collided, a deep sound rang out. Both the bear - man and I heard the sound of his bones cracking. Before he could let out a scream, his tall body had been sent flying five meters away by me. I had full confidence in my hand. I knew he would have to wait until his next life to come out and rob again.
At the same time the bear - man was sent flying by me, two weapons simultaneously struck my left shoulder and right back. The werewolf and the fox - man felt as if they hadn't cut into an enemy's body, but rather into a steel plate. The swords and knives were simultaneously shaken up, and they didn't even scratch my clothes.
I half - turned and kicked the fox - man in the chest. The sound of bones breaking was clearly audible. Just like the bear - man, he flew a long distance and fell heavily to the ground. Blood gushed out from his seven orifices. It was obvious that he was not going to survive.
The werewolf was stunned by the scene in front of him. The knife in his hand "clang" dropped to the ground. With a wild roar, he turned around and ran. I sneered coldly. I used my foot to pick up the knife he had dropped on the ground, spun around and kicked. The knife, like lightning, precisely hit the vital point on the werewolf's back. With a "puff" sound, it went in to the hilt, nailing him to the tree beside.
I walked slowly up to the werewolf and said coldly, "You were the one who told me the truth of the law of the jungle. I hope you'll be smarter in your next life."
The werewolf groaned, "You... you... so... cruel..." and then took his last breath.
The old woman at the fruit stand had long been so frighteneduddled into that she h a ball, shivering. I walked up to the fruit stand, picked up the fruits I had bought earlier, threw a gold coin over and said, "Bury them." Then I turned around and walked away.
I didn't feel sad about killing people. Since I was a child, my father had taught me that among the orcs, only strong power was the capital to speak. No one would sympathize with the weak. One must never be soft - hearted towards the enemy. One should strive to kill with one strike and not give the opponent any chance to counterattack. Even when a lion hunts a rabbit, it must go all out and kill the opponent by any means.
After leaving the area of the capital, I realized that the incident at the fruit stand was just the beginning of my killing journey. There were orc bandits and robbers everywhere. Except for the large towns guarded by soldiers, burning, killing, looting, and pillaging were seen everywhere. No wonder, with the orcs' natural physical conditions that surpassed those of humans and demons, they could only rank last among the three major races. With such a folk custom that made everyone feel insecure, how could it develop into a powerful country? I'll just help His Majesty the Orc King clean things up.
Describing my journey in the orc country as "cutting a bloody path" was not an exaggeration at all. All the bandits and robbers who met me were eliminated by my thunderous means. Later, I didn't even know how many people I had killed and had long become numb.
Through this journey, I also understood why the orcs couldn't defeat the humans. Although the orcs were naturally brave and fierce, when it came to masters, there were almost none. Among the hundreds of people I slaughtered, there was not a single one who could withstand me. Relying on the powerful strength inherited from our Behemoth clan, wherever I went, it was like a tiger entering a flock of sheep.
Finally, I reached the border between the orc country and the Dragon God Empire. The Stru Fortress of the Dragon God Empire stood across the border between the two countries. The tall city walls blocked the orcs' way forward.
I came to the foot of the city and shouted, "Please, generals, open the gate and let me in."
A human general - like figure on the city wall looked down and shouted loudly, "Who are you?"
I recited the lines I had planned long ago, "I'm a merchant who went to do business among the orcs. Our caravan was robbed by orc bandits, and I'm the only one who managed to escape. Look, I'm human." I pulled off the hat I had been wearing for over a month.
The general first looked into the distance. Seeing that there was indeed only me and that I was human, his tone softened a lot. He said, "These orc bandits are really not decent. And you people, why do you always go there to do business? It's not worth risking your lives. Men, open the city gate a little and let him in."
After a while, a crack opened in the city gate, and several guards welcomed me in.
The general who had been on the city wall just now was also among them. Seeing my handsome appearance and tall stature, he immediately felt a sense of favor. He said to me, "Was the loss great?"
I pretended to sigh and said, "Don't even mention it. I'm lucky to be alive. General, you don't know how 可怕 those orc bandits are. They kill people on sight and rob everything they see."
The general said, "Well, don't be too sad. Don't worry. Sooner or later, our Dragon God Empire will wipe them all out. Go on, enter the city and take a rest. You don't need to be afraid once you're in our human territory."
I said many words of gratitude and secretly heaved a sigh of relief.
The Stru Fortress was built on the basis of Stru City. It was my first time in a human city, and everything seemed so new to me. It was indeed much more prosperous than the orc lands. The streets were bustling with people, and there were open transactions everywhere, presenting a prosperous scene.
Following what my merchant teacher had taught me, I first found a relatively clean inn to stay in, planning to rest for one night and then continue my journey to Dragon City tomorrow.
Now that I was among humans, I felt there was no need to wear the hat anymore. Seeing so many people who looked similar to me for the first time, I couldn't help but feel a little excited. Although I was the shortest among the Behemoths, here, hardly anyone's height could compare with mine. Walking on the street, I felt like a crane standing among chickens.
Many women passing by cast curious or strange glances at me, making my face turn red from time to time. My merchant teacher had said during the class that my appearance was very handsome among humans and that I would surely attract many girls in the Dragon God Empire. But I never expected the women here to be so bold. It seemed that taking off the hat was a wrong decision. However, human girls looked much more comfortable than female orcs. Perhaps it was because they had a similar appearance to me, I told myself secretly.
There was no smell of war in this city, and everyone got along very harmoniously. I took a stroll on the city streets, bought some food, and then returned to the inn.
It was already late at night. I took out the map of the Dragon God Empire from my package. There were still more than 3,900 kilometers from here to Dragon City. It was really a long way. I had to set off early tomorrow morning. It would be better to arrive earlier so that I could be more fully prepared for the exam.