Mo Han hesitated no longer upon hearing the words and pushed the door open, stepping directly into the room. The Beastkin soldier followed close behind, balancing the tray. The moment he entered, Mo Han saw Mo Han sitting cross-legged on the **.

He had the look of someone who had just concluded a session of meditation. Seeing Mo Han enter, Mo Han quickly stood up and spoke with a smile, "Lord Liya, you are truly too thoughtful, troubling you so late at night. Mo Han feels deeply apologetic." Liya also offered polite courtesies, assuring him it was nothing and merely his duty.

After lingering in the room for a few moments, Liya mentioned that he would not disturb Mo Han's rest and turned to take his leave. Naturally, Mo Han was eager for him to depart as well; engaging in such hollow pleasantries with a person like Liya made Mo Han feel uncomfortable all over. The next morning, Mo Han and his party set off early, heading straight for Behemoth City.

Along the way, they encountered no further trouble and arrived smoothly at the Beastkin capital, Behemoth City. Upon entering, Mo Han noticed that the architectural style here was quite similar to human cities, far surpassing the few cities they had passed through previously. The prosperity here seemed in no way inferior to the major human capitals.

After Liya settled Mo Han into the designated guesthouse, he informed Mo Han that he had to return to report and requested Mo Han wait patiently for further notification. Though Mo Han was inwardly reluctant, being on another's territory left him with no recourse for his dissatisfaction, so he could only nod in agreement. Liya gave Mo Han a few final instructions and then left, leaving Mo Han alone, bored in his chamber.

After sitting for a while, Mo Han found the boredom unbearable. Seeing that the day was still young, he decided to go out for a walk, hoping to catch a glimpse of the local customs and atmosphere of the Beastkin people. After briefing the Beastkin soldiers assigned to watch him, Mo Han declined their company and walked out the guesthouse's main gate, wandering aimlessly on the streets.

The streets of the Beastkin territory were truly unique in style, and the thoroughfare was a genuine mix of races—there were Elves, and also Dwarves, commonly seen in human territories, along with quite a few human merchants. Because the Beastkin generally lived in poorer conditions regarding resources, certain bold human merchants had spotted a commercial opportunity. By transporting essential goods for Beastkin survival, they could exchange them for valuable furs from wild beasts—items highly coveted by human nobility.

A single successful trip could multiply profits several dozen times over; it was pure, excessive profit. With such ample returns, these merchants had nothing to fear regarding risk. If they correctly identified the preferences of certain high-ranking Beastkin officials and cultivated those relationships well, they could naturally ensure that they and their cargo remained completely safe within Beastkin lands.

As for the Elves, they were mostly travelers. Because the Beastkin territories were sparsely populated, certain flowers and medicinal herbs were rare even in the Elven forests, naturally attracting some Elves here. Furthermore, the Beastkin and Elves had always maintained peaceful coexistence, so those Elves had no need to worry about their personal safety.

The Dwarves, however, were ubiquitous across the continent; their exquisite skill in forging weapons was highly sought after wherever they went. Along the roof beams on either side of the streets were painted various totems of wild beasts, the most numerous being the likeness of the Beastkin's patron deity, the Beast God. In the image, the Beast God wore a mask embroidered with the profile of the Behemoth royal family, symbolizing the noble status of the monarchy.

In the Beast God's left hand was a red magic staff—which Mo Han surmised must be the Beastkin's divine artifact, the blessing of the Beast God. In his right hand, he held a shield engraved with a three-headed monstrous beast: one head a lion, one a bull, and the last a wolf—likely representing the three major factions of the Beastkin races. After strolling for a bit, Mo Han felt that everything around him carried a strong, distinctive character, captivatingly charming.

He truly found it hard to believe this was the dwelling place of those Beastkin people; it was utterly unbelievable. While Mo Han was still lost in thought, a fierce argument erupted from across the way. Driven by curiosity, Mo Han walked closer and found a Minotaur fiercely debating something with several Lion-kin.

It seemed the Lion-kin had insulted the Minotaur, who was too incensed to let the matter rest. He overheard one of the younger Lion-kin, dressed in luxurious green robes, speak sharply: "Ram, I told you, your Bull Clan is simply no match for our Lion Clan. Stop making a spectacle of yourself at the martial arts tournament next month; just stay home.

Hahaha. Tell your father to train you for a few more years and see if there's any hope. How could thick-headed brutes like you ever compete with us noble Lions?

It's a pipe dream. You've lost so many times already, why don't you give up?" As the Lion-kin in green finished speaking, the surrounding crowd burst into laughter. Only the Minotaur, his face flushed with anger, retorted, "Kala, don't get cocky.

At this year's tournament, I will beat you so badly you'll be eating dirt, and you'll learn the consequences of insulting our Bull Clan! You only won before because the Second Prince gave you pointers—it wasn't your own skill. Your Lion Clan are nothing but the Second Prince's running dogs, and you are his chief hound!" Upon hearing Ram’s words, the faces of the laughing Lion-kin instantly darkened.

Kala, in particular, roared with fury: "How dare you insult our Lion Clan and the Second Prince? Today, even if your father were here, he couldn't save you!" With that, he shouted to the Lion-kin beside him, "Seize him! If he resists, beat him soundly!

He dared to insult our great royalty; no one can save him now." Ram regretted his outburst the moment the words left his mouth; this was a serious crime. Although he had no intention of insulting the royalty itself, the words were out and couldn't be taken back. Even though these Lion-kin had insulted him, that couldn't justify him insulting the royalty.

Moreover, these Lion-kin would surely embellish the story and fabricate charges against him. If he fell into their hands today, the outcome would likely be grim. He needed to get back and consult his father immediately.

With this thought, Ram dared not hesitate. Watching the several grim-faced Lion-kin slowly advance on him, Ram solidified his resolve. With a fierce roar, he lashed out first, attacking a Lion-kin on his left.

That warrior was already braced for it and dodged Ram's strike with a swift sidestep. Ram used that brief opening to launch himself forward, trying to break free from the encirclement of the Lion-kin. He sprang towards...