"The tribe is something carved into our blood and bones, and the labels we are born with cannot permanently represent glory, power, and status."Outside the inner gate of Windwood Citadel, the Great Chief Gōng Diàn and the Second Young Master Gōng Kāng had been waiting for quite some time to welcome the arrival of the minotaur envoys.

　　Accompanied by Commander-in-Chief Gōng Wēi and General Yì Wǔ of the Guard, the minotaur envoy arrived at the inner gate of the city.

　　"General Gāo Yuán, welcome to our humble abode. Please forgive the oversight in our reception," Gōng Diàn greeted with a smile, ushering the group of minotaurs led by Gāo Yuán into the inner city.

　　Gāo Yuán snorted disdainfully, striding arrogantly forward without even sparing a glance at Gōng Diàn and the others who were receiving him.

　　Once inside the Chief's council chamber, Gāo Yuán plopped himself down on the Chief's seat without ceremony.

　　Gōng Kāng had already been extremely displeased by Gāo Yuán's arrogant demeanor, and now, seeing him audaciously seated on the Chief's throne, he couldn't contain his anger. Stepping forward, he intended to pull Gāo Yuán down from the seat.

　　Gōng Diàn quickly intervened, restraining Gōng Kāng. "My son, please don't act rashly."

　　Gāo Yuán glanced at Gōng Kāng. "I've heard that the Gōng Clan has produced a warrior who has won several consecutive matches in the annual ritual combat tournament. That would be you, right?"

　　"Indeed!"

　　"Well, I'd like to see how strong the human tribe's warrior is. Are you willing to spar with me?"

　　"I wouldn't dare refuse such an invitation!"

　　"Gōng Kāng, leave the room!" The Great Chief, seeing Gōng Kāng really gearing up to challenge Gāo Yuán, angrily slapped him.

　　Seeing his father getting angry, Gōng Kāng reluctantly left the hall.

　　"General Gāo Yuán, please calm down. He's just a young man from the countryside; there's no need to lower yourself to his level."

　　"Hmph, I'll spare his life for now. Gōng Diàn, I come on behalf of Chief Jiāng Lí, specifically to visit the Gong You Clan and the Bai Huo Clan. Do you know that it's time for the annual tribute of human sacrifices to the gods?"

　　"General Gāo Yuán, our clan has been eagerly anticipating this day. Serving the gods is our tribe's duty. May I inquire about the number of sacrifices this year?"

　　"Eight thousand children."

　　"What? Eight thousand?" Although Gōng Diàn had mentally prepared himself, this number still greatly exceeded his expectations.

　　"Why? Is there a problem?"

　　"Not at all, not at all. It's just that last year it was only four thousand, so why the sudden doubling this year…""You have to understand, this is the Gods' way of favoring your human tribe. It's your best chance to demonstrate loyalty. However, apart from the human sacrifices, this year, the Gods demand that your Gong You and Bai Huo Clans provide twenty thousand able-bodied youths for labor," Gāo Yuán explained.

　　Upon hearing this number, Gōng Diàn gasped in shock. "Isn't the labor service once every five years? We just provided twenty thousand laborers two years ago. Why the need again this year?"

　　"I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps you should inquire with the Gods themselves," Gāo Yuán replied.

　　"I wouldn't dare."

　　"Hmph, as I suspected. Regarding human sacrifices and labor service, the rules remain unchanged this year. You and the Bai Huo Clans will engage in combat, and the loser will provide the sacrifices and labor. The sacrifices will be taken directly by the Gods' conveyance, while the laborers will be escorted back to the capital by our tribe. Oh, and one more thing, Chief Jiāng Lí specifically instructed me to ask you something."

　　"What is it?"

　　"Recently, there's been a rise in opposition against the Gods, and they're growing bolder. Have your Gong You Clan scouts detected any suspicious activity in the forest?"

　　"Suspicious activity? Our scouts patrol the forest daily but haven't noticed anything unusual. Although, we did spot the Gods' conveyance flying overhead a while ago," Gōng Diàn cautiously replied, watching Gāo Yuán's expression.

　　"That must be the Gods chasing after the rebels."

　　"I see. But what kind of rebels would necessitate the personal intervention of the Gods?"

　　"That's classified information. Don't inquire too much. Just capture the rebels as soon as possible and present them to the Gods."

　　"Understood."

　　"Furthermore, we've captured a fierce beast in the forest. Bring it in, present it to the Great Chief."

　　Several minotaurs carried in the carcass of a fearsome beast, with two horns protruding from its head and bared fangs, resembling a tiger.

　　"Ah, this is a Thorn Tiger, extremely ferocious. It harbors strong vengeful tendencies. No one dares to provoke it in our forest.""Your human tribe may fear it, but we minotaurs are bold and fearless, with heads of bronze and hearts of iron. We're not afraid. That beast will be our dinner tonight," Gāo Yuán bragged.

　　The following morning, Gāo Yuán and his followers set out from Windwood Citadel. The minotaurs rode their camel-horse with arrogance, laughing and joking as they leisurely traversed the forest path.

　　In conversation with Gāo Yuán, a trusted lieutenant remarked, "General, the hospitality from Gōng Diàn was quite satisfactory this time. After indulging in Thorn Tiger meat last night, we spent the evening at the brothel."

　　"Gōng Diàn may be a cunning old fox, but he shows us respect and submission. Chief Jiāng Lí always accuses him of plotting something sinister, but I don't see it at all."

　　"Gōng Diàn is truly afraid of us. He wouldn't dare to rebel even if he had a hundred guts. It's his eldest son who's a troublemaker."

　　"That kid, the next time I see him, I won't let him off the hook."

　　As they conversed, a soldier suddenly shouted, "General, look ahead! What's that?"

　　Gāo Yuán shielded his eyes from the glaring morning sun as he squinted ahead. On a small hill in the distance stood a figure.

　　The figure loomed tall like a tower of iron, emanating a powerful aura of hostility and aggression. Even the camel-horses of the minotaurs sensed it, continuing to stomp their hooves and exhale heavily.At that moment, the figure atop the hill seemed to have spotted Gāo Yuán and his crew. He dashed down the slope and charged toward the minotaurs.

　　"Guard the General!" With a metallic clang, Gāo Yuán's comrades swiftly brandished their weapons.

　　"What's the hurry? What's the fuss? He's just a measly, cowardly human. What's there to fear?" Gāo Yuán scolded.

　　In the blink of an eye, the figure closed the distance, and Gāo Yuán focused on him. It was none other than Gōng Kàng, the eldest son of Gōng Diàn, whom they had discussed earlier.

　　"Hahaha... You little punk, when heaven offers an escape, you don't take it, and when hell has no doors, you willingly throw yourself in," Gāo Yuán and his minotaur companions dismounted their camel-horses, cursing as they strode toward Gōng Kàng.

　　"You want to challenge me, eh? I've been waiting for you. Are you all coming at once or one by one?" Gōng Kàng sneered at the minotaurs surrounding him.

　　"This kid's quite full of himself, General. No need to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Let me handle him," the lieutenant from earlier suggested.

　　With a swift motion, the lieutenant leaped up and aimed a punch at Gōng Kàng. The punch sliced through the air, almost connecting with Gōng Kàng's face.

　　Without flinching, Gōng Kàng suddenly twisted his hand, seizing the lieutenant's wrist. With a snap, the lieutenant's arm broke.

　　Gōng Kàng then kicked the lieutenant, sending him flying. The unfortunate minotaur crashed to the ground, writhing and screaming in agony.

　　"Not bad, young man," Gāo Yuán decided to take matters into his own hands. He drew his waist knife and swung it aggressively at Gāo Kāng.

　　Dodging to the side, Gāo Kāng delivered a swift sidekick, striking Gāo Yuán in the waist and sending him airborne. As he landed, Gāo Yuán knocked down several surrounding minotaur soldiers.

　　Seeing their leader in a vulnerable position, all the minotaur soldiers promptly drew their weapons and charged at Gōng Kàng.

　　Gōng Kàng adeptly unsheathed a sword from his back and clashed with t Gōng Kàng the minotaur.

　　The sword Gōng Kàng wielded had an extraordinary backstory. Forged from meteoric iron and infused with sulfur during the casting process, the blade boasted a fiery red hue. Hence, it earned the name "Dragon Flame Sword."The Dragon Flame Sword and the Great Chief Gōng Diàn's "Twilight Sword" are like a matched pair of siblings. The Dragon Flame Sword boasts a broad blade, wide as a palm, and towers beside a person. It's hefty and sharp, a weapon only the divine might of Gōng Kāng can handle.

　　Forged by the ancient gods, these swords hold divine essence, maintaining a steady temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, regardless of the season.

　　Any being struck by these blades will suffer relentless bleeding until their life ebbs away. Hence, they're known as silent reapers, dealing death without leaving a trace. They're esteemed treasures bestowed upon the Gōng family by the Yellow Tribes' deities.

　　Amidst the clashing of arms, every minotaur weapon that brushed against Gōng Kāng's imposing sword was swiftly knocked from their grasp.

　　Employing the flat side of his formidable blade, Gōng Kāng aimed precise strikes at the knees of the minotaur soldiers, intoning, "Topple, topple, topple..."

　　With each resounding blow, the minotaur warriors collapsed to the ground, their cries blending into a chaotic chorus.

　　Sheathing his sword, Gōng Kāng approached the writhing form of Gāo Yuán.

　　Gāo Yuán, trembling in terror, stuttered, "W-what... what do you want? I am an envoy..."

　　"According to our human customs, the victor of a duel claims a token from the vanquished." With a forceful twist, Gōng Kāng seized Gāo Yuán's horns.

　　"W-what... what are you doing..." Gāo Yuán's anguished screams reverberated through the forest.Gōng Kāng casually tossed the broken horn to the ground, then grabbed Gāo Yuán's collar with his left hand, hoisting him up.

　　With his right hand clenched into a hefty fist, Gōng Kāng pressed it against Gāo Yuán's nose. "Let me tell you, we humans have never been a lowly or cowardly tribe. "After the War of the Gods, it was us who submitted to the Green Clanof Evil Gods, not your wild buffalo people. Next time I catch you swaggering in front of us humans, be wary, for I might just take your life. Understand?"

　　"I understand... I won't dare anymore." Blood trickled from the broken horn, and the throbbing pain contorted Gāo Yuán's mouth, rendering him speechless.

　　"Haha..." Gōng Kāng flung Gāo Yuán to the ground and left triumphantly.

　　Meanwhile, a minotaur who had pretended to be down rose to his feet. He watched as Gōng Kāng disappeared into the forest, murmuring to himself, "Gōng Kāng, a true hero indeed! Who would've thought the human race had such a character? Truly a great misfortune for our Green Tribes."

　　This minotaur had no beard and spoke in a high-pitched voice, a eunuch among minotaurs.

　　Approaching the writhing Gāo Yuán, he quipped in a mocking tone, "Well, well, look at our undefeated champion with the lone horn. Now he's turned into the defeated champion without horns."

　　His expression turned grim. "Gāo Yuán, do you realize your wrongdoing? Let's see how you explain this when you return. Not only will Chief Jiāng Lí spare you no mercy, but even the venerable King of the Eagle Gods won't let you off."

　　Gāo Yuán quickly halted his groans. "Master Commander, please intercede for me! When you return, make sure to inform the esteemed King of the Eagle Gods to capture Gōng Kāng and avenge me."

　　"Hmph, Gāo Yuán, the motto of our minotaur tribe is 'Bronze Heads, Iron Hearts,' advancing bravely, loyal to our lord, and unafraid of killing. This time, not only did you fail to kill your opponent, but you also brought disgrace upon our tribe, causing embarrassment to the King of the Eagle Gods and the venerable deities. Do you understand your crime?""Commander, I admit my wrongdoing. Please, I beg of you, speak favorably of me in front of the esteemed King of the Eagle Gods. I will forever remember your great kindness and favor," Gāo Yuán said as he knelt on the ground, bowing repeatedly.

　　"Hmph, this Gōng Kāng is truly formidable. If he wished, he could easily end our lives. Gāo Yuán, although you have brought disgrace while acting as an envoy of the Gong You family, it's not entirely your fault. Our adversary is simply too powerful."

　　"Yes, Commander."

　　"However, why should I report to the venerable King of the Eagle Gods in this manner? Ah, Gāo Yuán, what do you suggest?"

　　"I understand. As long as you intercede on my behalf and spare my life in front of the venerable King of the Eagle Gods, I will repay your kindness no matter the cost."

　　"Gāo Yuán, I haven't asked for a bribe from you."

　　"I know, this is a gesture of respect for you, sir." Gāo Yuán retrieved a pouch of gold coins from his pocket. "This is an initial offering. Upon our return, I will double it and present it to you, as a token of my gratitude."