When it came to individual combat strength, Minotaurs absolutely outclassed the Werewolves. In a one-on-one battle, the Werewolves were guaranteed to fall. However, that didn't mean the Werewolves were weak. On the contrary, they were incredibly powerful—exceptionally fast, and once they launched an attack, it was nearly impossible to guard against. Their strikes were as swift as lightning.
And that wasn't even the most troublesome part.
The Werewolves possessed the ability to command wolf packs, a tactic that made them extraordinarily difficult to deal with. Oftentimes, they would avoid direct confrontation altogether, instead unleashing massive hordes of wolves against their enemies. The Werewolves themselves would hide among the wolves, disguised as ferocious beasts, and at a critical moment, erupt with a fatal blow. Their methods were savage and ruthless.
Because of this, the Werewolves had earned a fearsome reputation among many races. Notably, it was said that they even had a cavalry division—Wolf Riders—whose charge was as unstoppable as a landslide. They rode gigantic war wolves, making them a terrifying mounted force.
This gave them the confidence to stand toe-to-toe with the Minotaurs. Even knowing that Jiuquan (Wine Spring) was first discovered by the Minotaurs, they didn't back down. Instead, they had the audacity to demand that the Minotaurs hand over Wine Spring, and in return, supply milk wine free of charge to the Werewolves. It was as if they viewed the Minotaurs as mere slaves.
An act of tribute, practically.
The Minotaurs were furious, nearly driven mad with rage. They wanted nothing more than to flay the Werewolves alive and crush them completely.
But the Werewolves were disgusting in their tactics. They didn't engage in direct combat—instead, they constantly harassed the area around Wine Spring, refusing to allow the Minotaurs to occupy it or take any of its water. At any hint of activity, wolf packs would surge in to disrupt everything, causing endless frustration.
The Minotaurs were so enraged, it felt like their hearts would explode—but they could do nothing.
Hearing all this, Mao Sui began rapidly thinking through a plan, and calmly asked, "Could it be that the reason your tribe can brew such delicious milk wine is because of the spring water from Wine Spring?"
"Of course not," Niu Dali replied, shaking his head. "Milk wine is a traditional craft passed down among the Minotaurs. However, if we could obtain the water from Wine Spring, our milk wine would become even more fragrant and delicious—the taste would surpass our current version by several levels."
The reason they sought Wine Spring wasn't just for drinking. The spring water itself was naturally alcoholic, drinkable straight from the source, and it was as flavorful and smooth as the finest wines in existence. Using this spring water to brew milk wine would produce the finest celestial wine—a peerless treasure.
That's why both the Minotaurs and the Werewolves refused to give it up.
"In that case," Mao Sui said with a smile, "all the Minotaur chieftain has to do is drive away or defeat those detestable Werewolves, and you'll have complete control over Wine Spring."
"Of course we want to take it, but those little wolf bastards are just too tricky!" Niu Dali angrily downed his drink.
"No need to rush," Mao Sui said with a smirk. "I have a strategy that will allow you to take Wine Spring for yourselves—completely."
"Haha! What plan? Speak up already! I've always heard that you humans have sharp minds, full of schemes and plots," Niu Dali said excitedly.
"If both your tribes discovered Wine Spring together and are currently locked in a stalemate, unable to claim it outright, that likely means the location is too dangerous to settle. If it were normal terrain, the Iron Hoof Tribe could've simply migrated the whole settlement to surround the spring. The Werewolves wouldn't dare launch a full-scale attack. But since that hasn't happened, the place must be treacherous and unsuitable for setting up camp—am I right?"
Mao Sui analyzed the situation.
"Impressive! The human brain really is clever!" Niu Dali exclaimed in admiration. "That's exactly right. Wine Spring is inside a canyon fissure. If the fissure collapses, the entire spring would be destroyed."
"In that case," Mao Sui said, "taking control of Wine Spring won't be easy. The key lies in the spring source. If we can steal the spring's origin and move it to a safer location, we can create a new Wine Spring elsewhere. My suggestion: go to the spring, find a way to steal the spring source, and then collapse the fissure to crush some Werewolves in the process. That would let you vent your fury while gaining the treasure."
"Steal the spring source?" Niu Dali's eyes lit up, and he slapped his thigh. "Why didn't I think of that? Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Brother Mao, your brain is a treasure. If this works, you'll get full credit. Come, let's drink!"
Cheers erupted, the Minotaurs visibly elated. Other Minotaurs in the hall also broke into joyful expressions.
To take the spring source and ambush the Werewolves—that was exactly what they had dreamed of.
"Someone bring more wine and meat!" Niu Dali roared, and soon the banquet became a lively celebration.
Mao Sui smiled faintly, hiding the depth in his eyes, and joined the feast.
Later, after three rounds of wine, Mao Sui excused himself, saying he needed to meet with Feng Yumo and deliver another batch of supplies to the Iron Hoof Tribe.
By now, Feng Yumo had set up a military camp.
"What? There's a Wine Spring here—and both the Minotaurs and Werewolves discovered it at the same time?!" Feng Yumo was shocked when Mao Sui relayed the information.
A spring like that was priceless. If it fell into the hands of other races, Feng Yumo felt it would be a terrible loss.
"We absolutely cannot let the Minotaurs or Werewolves keep Wine Spring. I plan to use this spring to deepen the blood feud between the two tribes and secure an alliance with the Minotaurs. I have a plan, but I need you to deliver a letter to the Lord."
Mao Sui handed over a letter.
"Rest assured, Mr. Mao. I'll deliver it immediately. There's a village nearby with a teleportation array—I'll be back soon."
Soon, Mao Sui brought another batch of supplies and returned to the Iron Hoof Tribe.
Receiving even more goods, the Minotaurs now treated Mao Sui as their most honored guest. They sang, danced, and even tried to offer him a Minotaur woman.
"Our Iron Hoof Tribe once took in many humans," Niu Dali said. "We didn't eat them—we just made them work. Since your Xuanhuang City has shown such sincerity, we'll give all those humans to you as a sign of friendship between our peoples."
The Minotaurs had not killed those humans—they were simply used as labor. Although their status was low, they were alive, and in this chaotic world, that was already a rare kind of blessing.
There were over fifty to sixty thousand humans, kept in a separate valley, which is why Mao Sui hadn't seen them earlier.
To rescue tens of thousands of people in exchange for a bit of supplies—an incredible bargain.
Meanwhile, a soldier quietly left the military camp and entered a nearby village. Using the teleportation array, he returned to Xuanhuang City.
Soon, the letter reached Yi Tianxing.
"Wine Spring. Minotaurs and Werewolves. Interesting," Yi Tianxing said with a faint smile. "Steward, summon Ye Zhiqiu, the consecrated protector."
"Yes!"
Moments later, Ye Zhiqiu arrived at the City Lord's mansion. After a brief conversation with Yi Tianxing, he nodded with interest and immediately left via teleportation array.
He quickly disappeared into the wilderness.
Time passed, and the deep night fell.
Suddenly, a large group of Minotaurs slipped into the wilderness under cover of darkness.