Leniency

Calm paused briefly, shifting his tone to naturally weave in the fabricated uncertainty:

“However, this Shadow Wolf King is exceptionally alert and highly elusive, rarely staying in one place for long. To this day, we haven't been able to pinpoint its exact den.

Our manpower is limited, so we didn't dare track it too deep into the forest. We could only do our best to gather tracks on the outskirts.”

After he finished speaking, silence fell over the tent once more.

Regg turned his head slightly to look at Taylor, who sat beside him, as steady as a mountain.

Taylor's gaze didn't waver. He merely gave an almost imperceptible nod, his eyes deep and calm.

Having received silent approval, Regg looked back forward, addressing Calm and Porter in a clear voice:

“I understand. Instructor Calm, your explanation was clear enough. It makes sense that the Shadow Wolf King's movements are so elusive.”

He shifted his tone, adding a touch of invitation.

“I happen to be short of experienced hands who are familiar with the terrain. Since you have such a deep understanding of the forest, would you be willing to come with us? Naturally, you will be handsomely rewarded once the deed is done.”

For a future leader of the Fiery Lion family, this was already a highly generous offer. It promised a reward while still leaving room for a polite refusal.

A brass-rank village instructor from the countryside had no reason to decline.

To everyone's surprise, Calm lowered his head in contemplation for a brief moment before actually declining.

“Thank you for your high regard, Young Master Regg, but I have other matters to attend to... I hope you can understand.”

Regg's eyes flickered with a hint of surprise upon hearing this.

He never expected anyone in a border village to reject an invitation from the Fiery Lion family to his face.

After all, even in the county seat, countless people would break their necks just to form a connection with the Fiery Lion family. Wasn't Porter, standing right next to Calm, a living example of this?

When even a Silver Rank expert was so eager to please, a common Brass Rank practitioner should have viewed this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Seeing the slight shift in Regg's expression, Porter worried the young master was displeased. He quickly took half a step forward, wearing an apologetic yet polite smile as he explained:

“Young Master Regg, Lord Taylor, that is indeed the case. Instructor Calm has been stuck at the Brass Rank for many years, and he only recently managed to obtain a suitable crystal core. He is currently at the critical juncture of making a breakthrough.

He is by no means trying to excuse himself. It is simply that such an opportunity is hard to come by, and he cannot afford to delay even for a moment. Once he successfully advances to the Silver Rank, it will not only be a blessing for Stone Mill Village, but he will also be able to offer more reliable assistance should you have any commands in the future, Young Master.”

Regg wanted to say more, but Taylor spoke up slowly at that moment:

“If that is the case, then focus on your breakthrough.”

Hearing this, Regg actually reined in his expression and said no more, showing an unusual level of obedience.

He then waved his hand, gesturing for Calm and Porter to leave the tent, while also signaling the two young guards inside to withdraw as well.

The guards bowed respectfully and silently retreated. The tent flap gently fell back into place, shutting out the noise and light from the outside.

Only Regg and Taylor remained in the tent, and the atmosphere grew even quieter.

Only then did Regg turn to Taylor, a trace of confusion on his face.

“Uncle, Calm is merely a Brass Rank practitioner from the border. Even if he is about to make a breakthrough, what would be the harm in delaying it for a few days? With him around, searching for the Shadow Wolf King would go much smoother.”

Taylor sat motionless, his gaze as steady as a deep well, as he spoke slowly:

“Regg, remember this: the Fiery Lion family never needs to force a rustic villager.

Our goals for this trip are clear. First, to hunt the Shadow Wolf King to build your reputation and secure a crystal core for you.

Second, to let you gain experience in actual combat. A Brass Rank resident instructor, whether he leads the way or offers help, makes no fundamental difference to us.”

Regg's expression shifted as if he had understood something.

Taylor continued:

“Since he is at the cusp of a breakthrough, forcing him to join us might only cause unnecessary complications. If his breakthrough fails or backfires, word would spread that our family is heartless and mistreats those on the border.

It is better to let nature take its course. If he reaches the Silver Rank, he might still be of use to us in the future. If he fails, we lose nothing.

What matters right now is focusing on your own affairs.”

The last trace of doubt in Regg's eyes vanished, and he replied respectfully:

“Yes, Uncle, I understand.”

Silence returned to the tent, save for the faint, muffled sounds of activity from the camp outside.

...

...

Meanwhile, Calm and Porter returned to Calm's home, where Matthew was waiting for them in the courtyard.

Porter pushed open the gate and walked in, his gaze immediately landing on the White Fang Bow in Matthew's hand. He asked:

“Matthew, how does the bow feel? Is it comfortable to use? Any issues with it?”

The corners of Matthew's mouth curved upward as he expressed his sincere gratitude:

“It feels amazing. It fits my draw weight perfectly, and the power transmission is incredibly smooth. It truly is a rare masterpiece. Thank you for your trouble, Lord Porter.”

This heartfelt thanks made the smile on Porter's face a bit more genuine. He nodded and said:

“As long as it's comfortable to use. I won't disturb you any longer then.”

With that, he bid them farewell and walked out of the courtyard with a light step.

After watching Porter leave, only Matthew and Calm remained in the courtyard.

Calm walked over to the table and sat down. With a calm demeanor, he briefly recounted the details of his meeting with Young Master Regg and Lord Taylor in the tent to Matthew.

He placed particular emphasis on how he had politely declined the invitation to join them under the pretext of an impending breakthrough, and how Lord Taylor had ultimately expressed understanding and did not force the issue.

Matthew listened quietly. The string in his heart, which had been slightly tensed due to the sudden arrival of the Fiery Lion family, finally relaxed completely.

He exhaled slowly and nodded.

This way, neither he nor Calm would have to follow them deep into the forest.

This was undoubtedly the best outcome. After all, before his death, the goat demon Rivera had threatened them, claiming his father would track them down. Even if they didn't know whether it was true, it still carried a sliver of risk.

Even though Taylor was a powerful half-step Gold Rank expert with unfathomable strength, his primary mission was to protect Young Master Regg during his trial and obtain the Shadow Wolf King's crystal core. He would never take risks to confront "Darkhoof" for Matthew's sake.

By not going in, they avoided any potential accidents that might arise from past events.

“Porter is indeed being sincere. I should remind him to stay safe before they set off...”

Matthew thought to himself.

Although most of Porter's concern was merely an investment in his potential, it was still genuine help.

However, if anyone expected Matthew to reveal his inner concerns because of this—that was absolutely impossible.

After all, the matter of killing the goat demon involved too much; the fewer people who knew, the better.

He hadn't even revealed the full truth to Instructor Calm, so how could he be easily "bought" by Porter with a Blue bow that he deserved in the first place?

Afterward, Matthew and Instructor Calm chatted a bit more in the courtyard.

Calm briefly asked about how the White Fang Bow felt, and Matthew praised it honestly, but did not bring up Porter again.

The two shared a tacit understanding, both knowing that the most important thing right now was to quietly observe the movements of the Fiery Lion family.