Chapter 479: Determination to Return

"Perhaps it is there?"

As a creature adept at low-altitude flight, the Flame Taurus was more efficient at searching for ground targets than a helicopter. Coupled with the Dwarf air force conducting reverse-tracking patrols, Drazhoath locked onto an underground space suspected of having significant biological activity.

"That storyteller's analysis makes sense; if I go directly, the guards will stop me, and once my identity is exposed, I will surely be met with blades and axes. In the worst-case scenario, even if I alert Sinuoli Cinderbreath, it will be difficult for him to carry me back."

In the azure sky of the Badlands, the Taurus exhaled flames, creating a small patch of smoke and clouds that shrouded their figures, while Drazhoath stroked the scepter in his hand and pondered to himself.

"Create a little chaos to lure the guards away? Those sent to keep watch won't be fools who empty the entire garrison at the first sign of trouble. How did that old geezer Ironhand manage it? Could it be that he bound his own hands and went in to surrender?"

"Wanderer far from home, why do you refuse to enter now that you have reached your doorstep?"

Lingering too long had drawn the attention of the one within the gate, and a gentle female voice poured directly into the Demon Smith's heart. The Taurus blankly accepted the command to descend, watching its master walk straight toward the underground.

"What did you say? The Lord of the Black Fortress of the Chaos Dwarfs is determined to return?"

Sinuoli had returned to the Old World to report to his father, and because Eight Peaks was under constant threat, he did not linger after finishing his business and returned at top speed. When he arrived at Valaya's Gate to pay his respects, he received this shocking news.

"Shouldn't he be? He is sincere; I can vouch for him."

"Hmm..."

Why return to the embrace of the Qunshan—that was what Hashut most wanted to clarify during their first meeting. I have had contact with Astragoth Ironhand; the former head of the Secret Society displayed a stubborn attitude, even as a stray dog, still wanting to obtain support to contend for the Tower of Zharr.

"He proposed the concept of this Blasphemous Drill, and Ironhand exiled him to monopolize it. Later, in the process of scavenging for materials, he provoked public anger and was jointly overthrown by Greenskin rebels and dissidents. Afterward, he fled northwest and met you. You felt threatened by the expeditionary force he sent and decided to help him to divert the attention of Baian Zhidi. That led Gortz to turn and make an example of him, forcing him to appear here."

Betraying the strong to join the weak—is it because of the "call of home"? Hashut does not believe that a guy who climbed to the upper echelons of a race that has been corrupt for thousands of years would have such a thing.

"No problem."

"Most members of the Azog Legion will support my decision, but the stubborn ones need time to be weeded out and purged. If we work from the inside and outside with Gortz's people, I'm afraid..."

Drazhoath's pondering took on a different meaning in the eyes of Valaya. Based on his understanding from years of struggling in Baian Zhidi, the Demigod before him and the Ancestor Gods of the Dwarfs implied a subtle, competitive relationship that could not be brought to the table.

Returning to his office in the Highland Fortress, looking at the newly updated, vast map of his domain spanning several provinces, Drazhoath took out paper and pen to begin conceptualizing.

No matter how much is said, it is not as good as seeing the subsequent performance. The chaos in the Zharduk Plains is what he is happy to see; Eight Peaks needs more time to develop.

"I want to play along with them for now and try to buy time. When I coordinate with the rats to send troops, I will provide their intelligence, and your warriors can annihilate them in one fell swoop—if possible, take along those so-called supervisory teams as well."

"Should, should! Where is he? If he hasn't left, I'll have a chat with him."

The blonde Dwarf goddess's double-entendre question left it unclear whether she was asking about the Mother Valaya's determination to return or her own decision to forgive and accept the fallen one.

"Use this transmitter to contact me at any time. Awaiting your good news. Valaya and I will never treat those who have rendered meritorious service unfairly."

On the other hand, as an Ancestor God, Sinuoli shares the honor and disgrace of the Dwarf race, and a gentle personality makes Him never stingy with grace. Drazhoath and the Chaos Dwarfs are just casual acquaintances; His true direct descendants are the Minotaurs distributed across various realms. He is very harsh toward the Chaos Dwarfs, frequently demanding massive amounts of offerings.

"You are wise! I do have it, but it is not on my person. I will send it after I return."

Hashut squinted and stroked his beard in thought. Based on his understanding of Sinuoli's performance during the End Times, he dared not fully trust the goddess's judgment—if this guy were faking a surrender, letting a wolf into the house would be catastrophic for Eight Peaks.

But for mortals, they have no chance to figure these things out; their judgment of gods is based on their ability and desire to interfere in the Mortal World. Indigenous gods who originated from this world and whose Divine Kingdom relies on it have a natural advantage over gods from the Realm of Chaos, with much less loss in projecting divine power.

"I need to build a more detailed management system to improve efficiency and liberate myself. This will be a great incentive opportunity; it is time to promote the civil officials who support me from behind."

In terms of Authority, the Bull God masters fire, greed, and tyranny, which are relatively strong, while Valaya has a bunch of auxiliary-leaning ones. If they really clashed, it could be imagined as an angry bull charging at an unarmed lady.

He believed that while he was actively leaning toward the Dwarf gods to seek progress, he still could not offend Hashut, this powerful spokesperson. Wasn't his coming to Eight Peaks also out of fear of him?

From Hashut's perspective, the Ancestor Goddess and Drazhoath had considerable gaps in the two major dimensions of measuring gods. In terms of divine power, Drazhoath is not outstanding but at least lively, while Valaya had just awakened from a slumber.

"Secondly, since you can propose a design that binds an Artifact to the drill for power, you must have some treasures in your hands that you used for experiments. Hand it over to me; consider it cutting off your attachment."

"You, this is so sudden, I'm not prepared. Tell me your thoughts first."

"Didn't expect it to be that I was standing too high."

Previously, business not covered by the traditional Dwarf political system was handled by appointed commissioners and clerks. In this Dwarf society where beards and wealth are respected, young immigrant lads coordinating work is not always smooth.

The Demon Smith blinked his eyes, which had faded from scarlet after being purified by the Ancestor Goddess. His being so tactful made Hashut think highly of him. It was unknown whether it was his own request or if his power was limited, but the horns on his head still remained.

"I'll get straight to the point: aren't you going to carry out an internal purge? I will lend you a great general and some elites as support; they can also protect your safety when necessary."

Valaya only expressed her stance, while Hashut was responsible for specific affairs. During the wait, Mother Valaya was also deducing subsequent plans—after a brief tour of Eight Peaks to understand the situation, he realized that Hashut did not want to mobilize troops on a large scale at the moment.

"How about we go outside to talk?"

Holding Valaya's home-brewed ale, Hashut slowly sorted out the ins and outs. He had to sigh that what is called "a drink and a peck, is it not predestined?" Two key Chaos Dwarf forces in the north and south had just connected with him like this.