Beneath the Red Dragon-Chapter 108 - 56: Ashes and Allegiance (Double-Length)

Rumble, the robust body of the Jackal Wolfman Leader Yougu rode atop the massive Achilles Dragon Beast across the hilly grasslands, his blood-red long mane fluttering like a wind-blown cloak.

The enormous three-headed Refined Gold Flail swung like a toy in his muscular arms, rippling with the rhythm of the run, as the dragon beast’s massive body stomped enormous footsteps on the solid, heavy ground, leaving dust flying over the lush green grass of the plains behind him, followed by orderly and distinct Jackal Wolfmen.

On either side of Jackal Wolfman Leader Yougu were Jackal Wolfman Barbarian Soldiers also mounted on dragon beasts and earth wolves. These Jackal Wolfman Barbarian Soldiers were the most formidable warriors of the Jackal Wolfman Tribe.

These Jackal Wolfman Barbarian Soldiers were all about two and a half meters in height, wielding heavy flails and great hammers, and they formed the protective Guard Corps for the ambitious leader. They were the most trustworthy warriors of the Jackal Wolfman Leader.

Usually, they were also the strike force of the Jackal Wolfman Tribe. Their armor was the finest in the tribe; many wore beast hide garments made of the resilient leather of dragon beasts or the toughest pelts from ferocious creatures hunted by Jackal Wolfmen.

Following the Jackal Wolfman Barbarian Soldiers were Jackal Wolfman Mages, also known as Watchers, mounted on earth wolves. These Jackal Wolfmen, though relatively lean, bore unique purple manes and were naturally endowed with magic that brought many outlander Druids and Shaman Priests to tears.

Even these Jackal Wolfman Mages themselves found it difficult to ascertain the source of their power, nor could they distinguish whether their strength stemmed from magic abilities or divine art. Typically, they avoided wearing extra armor to prevent interference with their spellcasting abilities.

These Jackal Wolfman Mages would generally enhance the bodies of Jackal Wolfman Warriors using their magic abilities under protection, but could also directly strike enemies with magic. Moreover, they possessed spell-like abilities similar to fear auras, gradually inciting fear in the hearts of nearby enemies.

Some Night Crows and scavenging Vultures over the plains fluttered around above these Jackal Wolfman Mages, loudly cawing. They were enslaved reconnaissance birds by magical means, allowing the Jackal Wolfmen to see the surrounding view through these birds’ eyes.

Dozens upon hundreds of the slimmest Jackal Wolfman scouts spread far and wide on earth wolves, these Jackal Wolfmen being intelligent scouts, dangerous assassins, and ranged soldiers. Their stature rarely exceeded two meters, and they carried weapons smeared with poison, bows, and blowguns.

Trailing behind were the majority of ordinary Jackal Wolfman Warriors and Giant Demon Bear Goblin slaves. These Jackal Wolfman Warriors and slaves could only run on foot, but their strong bodies made them run no slower than most beasts across the grasslands.

Though still scattered in formation, these Jackal Wolfmen clearly had more defined roles compared to previous hunting tribes. If such a loosely structured species had a particularly strong leader, they could unite and fight with clear roles, exhibiting a discipline that typical monster species lacked.

Evidently, Jackal Wolfman Leader Yougu was such a powerful tribal leader.

Gah, gah, gah,

A bald vulture about two meters in length flapped its slightly bald wings and perched on the arm of a Jackal Wolfman Mage, whose slightly cloudy pupils returned to a blood-red hue.

"Leader, my bird has already found the bodies left by dead warriors, just a short run ahead to the left," a Jackal Wolfman Mage urged his seated earth wolf leader to catch up with the Achilles Dragon’s pace, reporting to his leader.

These Jackal Wolfmen possessed their own language, but could also speak Giant Demon, Half-Beastman, or Goblin Language, and some common tongues. In actuality, Jackal Wolfmen belonged to a quite intelligent species.

Additionally, their advantage was not only significant in language acquisition, but in other aspects as well. The main obstacle hindering further evolution of the Jackal Wolfmen was their loose social structure. Under proper guidance, these Jackal Wolfmen might develop into an unexpectedly formidable force.

"What about those Centaur invaders? No trace of them discovered?" Jackal Wolfman Leader Yougu said. Riding atop the running dragon beast, the bumps and jolts did not affect the steadiness of his voice, though his brow furrowed slightly.

"No trace of those Centaurs found. Perhaps they saw the signal for help from the warriors and realized they couldn’t resist our retaliation, so they fled. Those cowardly and vile Centaurs."

Responded the Jackal Wolfman Mage, tearing off a piece of jerky to feed the bald vulture perched on his arm. The vulture swallowed the long piece of jerky in a single gulp, flapping its wings and soaring again into the sky.

After running approximately a few leagues further, Jackal Wolfman Leader Yougu’s excellent vision could already spot the blood-stained markings on the grassland.

A pungent unique jackal wolf stench mingled with the smell of blood entered his keen nose, prompting the Jackal Wolfman Leader Yougu to swing the three-headed flail in his hand, unleashing a fierce sound.

He loudly commanded, "All warriors, halt. Watchers, send your pets to fly into the sky and survey the surroundings. The rest of the warriors, search the ground, see if there are any surviving warriors, and look for traces of those Centaurs."