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However, it seems the man before me is not seeking retribution for any loss of profit, but rather concerned about the so-called fiancée I supposedly stole away. Despite Catherine never having promised him anything, nobles often prioritize their own reputation above all else. Moreover, a beauty of Catherine's caliber is likely not someone anyone would easily let go.

"Since His Highness Dos has already found me, there is no need for any further explanations or threats. As a member of the Lion Clan, even if you have not mastered the 'Emperor Martial's Dominant Technique,' you must be well aware of the temperament and character of its inheritors. Therefore, from the beginning, you did not believe that Catherine would be coerced by me or sent at my behest. Your Highness was merely looking for an excuse to discipline me, venting your anger while also undermining my reputation, nothing more. Am I correct?"

Prince Doss's countenance darkened upon hearing my words. As the son of the Orc King, though his martial prowess and intellect were far from matching his father's, he was by no means a mere fool. He understood the significance of the restoration of Fontainebleau and the opening of the Third Golden Trade Route. Associating with a newcomer who wore a halo of glory and had unlimited potential for the future would be no good thing.

However, as the most esteemed and powerful of the Alliance, the Lion tribe has always looked down upon other races. Even the noble Heavenly Wolf Tribe, which belongs to the high echelons of the Orc nobility, is not in their eyes, let alone a country bumpkin with no background. Yet now, this country bumpkin has snatched the Fontainebleau, which the family considered as good as theirs, and has won over Catherine, whom he has always admired but never had the chance to get close to. "The Lion tribe's genius girl becomes a follower of the Werewolf country bumpkin," "The Lion prince's fiancée refuses marriage and leaves her family," "The Fang family's long-planned scheme to seize Fontainebleau turns into a complete joke." Such rumors spread in Lion Heart City, in the Holy City, and throughout the noble circles of the entire Orc Alliance, causing Prince Dos to be furious with embarrassment. Well before I arrived in the Holy City, he was determined to give this ungrateful Werewolf a lesson he would never forget.

Just yesterday, my duel with Qigefei on the long street has spread throughout the Holy City. Even though it was known that Qigefei had already fought two duels before, everyone still included me in the list of seeds who will definitely be promoted to the rank of Sword Emperor in the future. As a result, Prince Doss's plan to challenge and teach me a lesson has been forced to be shelved. Because he lacks talent and failed to cultivate the "Emperor Martial's Dominant Technique," he had to switch to another unique skill, "Eight Fiery Heavens Mirror." Even though he has become a Sword Master at the age of twenty-two and now possesses the strength of Moon Flame level four, he still lacks the confidence to deal with the "Heavenly Roc's Soaring" disciple, who is merely at the second level of Sword Master.

Fortunately, there are still young masters in the Holy City who can deal with Qigefei or me, the Werewolf. Today, he invited one of them, but the identities of both parties are sensitive. So Prince Dors originally planned to have the raccoon tribe girl provoke a dispute, and then have the expert he invited intervene, creating the illusion that the two sides were fighting over a verbal quarrel to avoid blame. But I saw through Dors's identity and purpose at a glance, leaving him somewhat at a loss. To fight would be to admit that the Lycan Family's plot against Fontainebleau failed and was now seeking revenge; not to fight would be to embolden the other party and diminish the family's prestige, truly a dilemma.

Fortunately, at that moment, someone else stepped forward to help him out of the predicament. It was the ally he had invited to counter me, the young master of the Cheetah tribe, Biomo, who had once crossed swords with Qigefei yesterday.

"Knight Xuanfeng, I am Biemo of the Cheetah Tribe, Leopard Clan. It is actually I who sought you out today; the others have merely accompanied me. My friends may have spoken out of turn just now, please forgive them."

"Hmph, I dare not. You are all esteemed individuals; even being scolded is an honor. How could I dare to offend? Please, state your business, and I am all ears." I won't give an inch to this brazen liar. We are all young masters of our craft, but why is there such a gap between this fellow and Qigefei, as well as Catherine?

"I merely wish to inquire of Knight Xuanfeng about one matter. I have two tribal brothers who belong to the Black Panther tribe, and they have been following Miss Catherine. However, not long ago, there was sudden news of their deaths, which occurred even before Knight Xuanfeng engaged in battle with the humans. Thus, I would like to ask, how did they die?"

"They valiantly perished in battle against the human assassins who infiltrated Fontainebleau." I declared with unwavering conviction.

"But I have heard that you are the one who killed them, Knight Xuanfeng."

"That is absolutely a rumor."

I have no intention of explaining or reasoning. The truth is known to all, but it cannot be spoken out loud. Otherwise, as followers, to turn against one's master is an extremely heinous crime, and even one's kin would be exiled. If we were to speak out, it would only lead to a complete break with the Orc King. At this nascent stage, Fontainebleau is no match for Lion Heart City, be it militarily, politically, or economically.

"It seems that Knight Xuanfeng has no intention of admitting it, and unfortunately, I have no evidence to present. Therefore, I have no choice but to seek justice for my fallen kin through a duel," Bi'omo made it clear that he did not intend to allow me to say anything further, and immediately continued, "I, Bi'omo. Flash. Panzer, hereby issue a 'Thunder Duel' challenge to you."

"If you seek battle, I am at your service." Without further ado, I flicked a claw in response, signaling my readiness to engage.

"Wu Lei Dou" is a more intense and less restricted form of combat than yesterday's "Wu Xing Dou," where the only prohibition is the use of weapons. It does not forbid the killing of opponents, of course, nor does it mandate a fight to the death as "Wu Hun Dou" does. For the orcs, dueling is akin to how humans regard noble dances and etiquette, and how elves cherish music and poetry. Although each race may seem foolish and tedious to the others, the stubbornness and dedication to their own culture is a common thread that runs through them all.

Yesterday, I dueled with Qigefei. I had thought he had employed the "Sun-Chasing" moon attribute of "Heavenly Roc's Soaring," but it was Catherine who later informed me that he had not activated any moon attribute. It was merely his innate speed talent from the eagle clan, coupled with his exceptional talent and cultivation, and the acceleration from wind magic that produced such astonishing speed. Should he truly activate the moon attribute, two more wings of light would sprout from his back. At that time, if I did not employ the "Sacred Ice Thorn Halo," I would definitely not be able to keep up with his pace. Even Catherine's "Emperor Martial's Overlord Technique" would only have a chance of winning by incurring a considerable cost for a decisive strike, and it would be impossible to simply pummel his nose and mouth as I did yesterday.