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"After my father's death, my mother was heartbroken and soon passed away under the oppression within our family. At their graves, I vowed to make Samantha pay with his blood. However, after I began training in martial arts, I realized just how powerful that so-called genius combat maniac truly is. Despite my pursuit, the gap between us only widened. Our family was plagued with deep-rooted issues, making revitalization impossible. Even when I started learning divine arts, I found no hope for revenge. Over the years, Samantha's strength and influence have grown exponentially, becoming unstoppable. Catherine's actions in Fontainebleau were her last hope, but they fell into Samantha's schemes, leaving her in dire straits." With these words, Catherine fell into another bout of melancholy.

"Then what about now? Do you still insist on revenge?"

"Yes, because I have discovered a true opportunity—your Excellency. Your talent and potential surpass both Catherine and Samantha. In four or fourteen years, you will surely defeat Samantha and slay him before the Altar of War Gods, becoming the new orc king. Assisting you until that day is Catherine's decision. As for the Warfang family, they are merely tools for Catherine's revenge. Since they betrayed my father, they have no further connection to me. As accomplices to my father's death and Samantha's crimes, if we become enemies, Catherine will not hesitate to eliminate them."

Catherine's firm vow at that moment bound us together through countless years, fostering mutual trust and unwavering loyalty.

Chapter 43: Sudden Invitation and Unknown Fate

After the enfeoffment ceremony, I should have returned to Fontainebleau. Since I am not from a noble family, there were no connections to maintain at the time. Interacting with nobles now would only give them opportunities to extort money and divide benefits. Once our city truly develops, finding collaborators won't be an issue.

However, the day after the ceremony, I received an invitation from the War God Temple to meet privately at the Temple. Initially, I had no interest in the Temple, which had once targeted me. Yet, given its authority and Catherine's status as a cleric, offending them was unwise. Moreover, "War Saint" Leimen, who was knighted by the Temple, and Patriarch Pinosi jointly extended this invitation, leaving me no room to refuse. Thus, I promptly headed to the War God Temple to meet the Patriarch.

At the Temple's entrance, a junior Shaman awaited to greet me. The Temple's door was peculiar, shaped like two giant crossed arms, creating a frame without an actual door. As I entered, I noticed that the interior was far less luxurious than the Beast Palace, instead appearing ancient and even austere. Most people I encountered wore rough linen clothes and moved silently, reminding me of certain secluded monks from my past life.

Entering the main hall and then proceeding to the meeting room, I found, besides the expected "War Saint" Leimen and Patriarch Pinosi, someone I least expected—the orc king, Samantha.

Damn, the three major figures of the Orc Alliance are gathered here. Aren't they supposed to be at odds? What could bring them together for a secret meeting? And why did they specifically invite me?

Seeing this lineup, I immediately sensed trouble. Imagine if the five supreme masters of my past life—"East Evil, West Poison, South Emperor, North Beggar, Central Sage"—suddenly appeared before me and said, "Chen Xuanfeng, we need something from you..." Anyone would know it wasn't just a minor matter.

"Lord Xuanfeng, we need something from you..." Patriarch Pinosi spoke first.

"Patriarch, your Excellency, the three pillars of the Alliance, summoning a mere sixteen-year-old like me, is truly humbling. Whatever you require, as long as it is within my capabilities, I will do it wholeheartedly." I quickly interjected before he could state his request.

Patriarch Pinosi paused, glancing at Leimen, finding it difficult to continue. They indeed had important matters requiring my assistance, which is why they set aside their differences to gather. Seeing my preemptive move, Leimen took over.

"Cough, cough, young friend Xuanfeng, there's no need to worry. We invited the Patriarch and the orc king primarily to thank you for your contribution to the Alliance with the 'Golden Bell Shield.' Currently, the War God Temple and the orc king are promoting the cultivation of the 'Xuanfeng Golden Bell Shield' throughout the Alliance. Within two or three years, a large number of orcs will master battle aura. Although cultivating experts takes time, the Alliance has never lacked in high-level talents; it was only short on intermediate warriors. Now, the Alliance no longer needs to worry about elite troops. To honor your achievements, the Alliance has decided to grant Fontainebleau three years of tax exemption and a permanent thirty percent tax reduction. Additionally, the Temple will send artisans to assist in Fontainebleau's construction. When the effects of the 'Golden Bell Shield' fully manifest, the Alliance will bestow a higher noble title upon you."

"Patriarch, your kindness humbles me. In fact, the original 'Golden Bell Shield' manual was thoroughly revised by your predecessor. Without those revisions, it would take at least five to six years to cultivate battle aura. If you have any requests, please feel free to say so." The more generous the offer, the greater the subsequent demands. I understand this principle well, but with the three major figures present, I doubt I can refuse. I'll have to gauge the situation first.

"Now, Xuanfeng, as you are aware, the current state of the Alliance is hemmed in by the War God Corridor, the Viking Empire, and the Northern Ice Plains. Even with an increase in intermediate combat strength, we can only transition from a defensive stance to a stalemate, without the possibility of further expansion. However, the situation does not permit us the luxury of waiting. The alarming rate of human development in recent years cannot be ignored. Previously, you forwarded us intelligence from the Temple Knight, the third successor of the Duchy of Langton, Lanster. One piece of information that may have escaped your notice is that the Temple has recently acquired a technique to forcibly elevate individuals to the rank of Novice Sword Hero. Lanster was among those who benefited. Do you recall?"