The Minotaur, seeing Mo Han acknowledge his identity, spoke with immediate delight, "I am Mihai of the Bull Clan. I have been sent by our Chief to specifically invite Lord Mo Han to our residence for a gathering. I sincerely hope Your Lordship will grant us this honor."
Mo Han couldn't help but feel perplexed and asked, "I don't believe I know your Chief. Are you perhaps mistaken?" Mihai nodded affirmatively, "There is no mistake, my Lord. Our Chief specifically requested an audience with the Special Envoy to express our profound gratitude for the great kindness the Envoy bestowed upon us."
Hearing this, Mo Han suddenly recalled Ram from the day before and smiled as he spoke, "Then what is Ram's relationship to you all?" Mihai, upon hearing Mo Han’s question, quickly and respectfully replied, "Young Master Ram is precisely the Young Chief of our Bull Clan. The moment he returned yesterday, he informed our Chief of the life-saving grace the Lord showed him. That is why the Chief ordered us to escort the Special Envoy here at dawn this morning, hoping the Envoy would honor us with his presence."
Upon hearing this, Mo Han had no choice but to nod his assent. After all, the Bull Clan held considerable influence among the Beastfolk. If he could persuade the Bull Chief to oppose this war, his chances of success would increase significantly.
With this thought, Mo Han smiled and said, "Then I will trouble you to lead the way."
Mihai and the others respectfully escorted Mo Han towards the Bull Clan's settlement.
The Beastfolk of Bymon City were divided into three major factions, corresponding to the three primary races, each occupying a distinct territory. The Bull Clan resided in the west of Bymon City, second only to the Lionfolk in prosperity located in the south. The Werewolf Clan's settlement was in the east, representing the smallest power bloc. As for the north, it was a mixed area inhabited by various other beast races—practically every kind could be found there.
The very center of Bymon City was reserved for the Imperial Palace.
Not long after, Mo Han and his escort arrived at the Bull Clan's western territory. Along the way, fewer members of the other races were seen; the majority were Minotaurs. The people on the road greeted Mihai warmly, suggesting that Mihai likely held a respectable position within the Bull Clan.
Soon, Mo Han and the group reached a towering stone dwelling constructed entirely of rock. Several Bull Clan guards stood watch at the courtyard entrance, and sentry posts were visible all around. Mo Han surmised this must be the Chief's residence, given the heavy security.
Indeed, as Mihai led Mo Han into the courtyard, he smiled and explained, "This is the heart of the Bull Clan territory, and also where our Chief resides. Normally, any major decision concerning our Bull Clan is discussed and settled here. Are you perhaps finding it a bit underwhelming?"
Mo Han replied, "Heh, it is a little unexpected, but nothing strange. Comparatively speaking, I prefer staying in places like this—quiet and elegant."
Hearing Mo Han's response, Mihai smiled widely. "No wonder the Young Chief constantly praises Your Lordship; he said you were a man of genuine character. I, Mihai, am now entirely convinced. I hope to be fortunate enough to count a friend such as you."
Mo Han smiled back, "Are we not friends now?" The two shared a laugh, looking at each other.
Just then, a rough voice called out from within, filled with surprise, "The Special Envoy has arrived! I've been waiting for you for quite some time!"
The words had barely faded when Ram burst out, moving like a gust of wind, his face alight with joy.
Trailing behind Ram was an older Minotaur, wearing a crown fashioned from an ox bone, who gazed at Mo Han with a gentle smile.
Mo Han inwardly suspected this must be the Bull Chief and was about to step forward to pay his respects when Ram spoke first, "Father, this is the man whose life I owe you—the Special Envoy."
Mo Han quickly spoke up, "Heh, Young Chief is too kind. I really didn't do much. Anyone else seeing the situation would likely not have stood idly by. It was those Lionfolk who were being excessively cruel. Please don't call me your benefactor; if you respect me, just call me Brother Mo Han."
Hearing Mo Han's words, Ram happily nodded his agreement.
The Bull Chief also smiled warmly and said, "Special Envoy, you are too modest. Our Bull Clan always repays debts of gratitude. What you did in saving my son is a matter of immense importance, and our entire clan is deeply thankful. Please, let us talk inside."
Saying this, the Chief turned and led the way into the house.
As soon as they entered, Ram anxiously asked, "Brother Mo Han, after I left yesterday, I was worried about you. Did Kala cause you any trouble?" Mo Han answered with a reassuring smile, "Heh, rest assured. I am the Special Envoy now; I won't run into any issues."
Ram nodded, visibly relieved.
The Bull Chief then stated, "We summoned the Special Envoy here today specifically to thank you for saving Ram's life. Therefore, we have prepared a special gift for the Special Envoy, and we hope you will accept it."
With that, the Chief clapped his hands, and a Bull Clan warrior entered carrying a platter, approaching Mo Han.
Mo Han saw that it held a single, white ox horn and looked at the Chief curiously, asking, "Chief, what is this?" The Chief quickly explained, "Heh, this is the offering of our Bull Clan to our benefactors. This is a rare White Ox Horn; only the most honored guests of our Bull Clan receive one. Possessing it earns the respect of every member of our clan, and it can also be exchanged for one opportunity for us to repay a debt—we will complete it to the best of our ability."
Upon hearing the Chief's explanation, Mo Han quickly waved his hands in refusal. "This gift is far too precious, Chief. I cannot accept it. Moreover, I truly only performed an ordinary deed; I feel utterly unworthy of such a reward."
The Bull Chief spoke sincerely, "Our Bull Clan has always repaid kindness. If Your Lordship refuses to accept it, would it not lead people to say the Bull Clan is ungrateful? Furthermore, you saved Ram, who is to be the next Bull Chief. If it were known that he does not value gratitude, how could he earn the respect of the Bullfolk? He would not be worthy of the chieftaincy. Thus, I implore Your Lordship to please accept it."
Ram, standing nearby, also pleaded with Mo Han to accept the gift. Seeing this, Mo Han could only nod reluctantly and place the White Ox Horn inside his robe.