Chapter 304: Chapter 304: Since when did our family become so poor? Part2
Had he been killed, the Blackwoods would have undoubtedly retaliated with devastating consequences.
Upon learning of their father's injuries, Daniel and Marcus were beside themselves with rage.
Even the usually level-headed Daniel had mobilized the Azure Cloud army, marching them to the border and advancing deep into Sunshine Clan territory.
Had Nathan not intervened and Lucas himself regained consciousness briefly to urge his sons to stand down, they might have been facing a full-blown rebellion instead of a border skirmish with the Druids.
Now, after much deliberation, the Blackwood clan had gathered in the Psychic Sanctuary, their faces etched with concern as they looked upon their fallen comrade.
Two years had passed, and despite Amelia's tireless efforts, she had been unable to purge the lingering sword qi from Lucas's wound, preventing his full recovery.
"Grandfather," Marcus said, his voice tight with suppressed anger, "two years have passed. You've tried reasoning with the Sunshine Clan's authorities, but they've ignored our pleas. "
"The ancient agreement clearly states that any conflict involving cultivators above the Competent Force stage within Cloudview County's borders must be reported. My father was already within our territory when he was attacked. "
"The Sunshine Clan should have apprehended that rogue cultivator, but the Crimson Gate Syndicate remains at large, that old dog of a Basic Mastery expert still roaming free."
Marcus gazed down at his father, his heart heavy with worry.
They hadn't always seen eye to eye, but Marcus had always admired his father's strength and unwavering resolve.
His own absence from family affairs, choosing instead to seclude himself within the Sky Sect, stemmed from the guilt he still carried over the Boar Monarch Pete incident.
He blamed himself for the misfortune that had befallen his family.
But now, with his father lying wounded, he had spent the past two years by his side, his only focus on Lucas's recovery.
And now, with the family facing a shortage of resources, he saw an opportunity.
"Grandfather, you've always cautioned us against challenging the empire, fearing we might incite a rebellion. But as you can see, the Emerald Empire doesn't consider us true citizens, and the Sunshine Clan even less so."
His words hung heavy in the air.
Joseph, who had been dozing in his wheelchair, jolted awake, his eyes fluttering open.
"Ancestor," he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep, "our Heavenly Justice Hall hasn't fared well in the Sunshine Clan's territory either. They've been suppressing us at every turn. You've generously provided us with energy stones, but acquiring high-grade materials has become increasingly difficult.
I've investigated the matter, and it seems the Sunshine Clan has always harbored resentment towards us. They're doing this on purpose."
Edward nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, the number of psychics seeking refuge in Cloudview County from the Sunshine Clan has dwindled significantly in recent years. Great-grandfather's efforts to bring back those who fled have been met with resistance. "
"The Sunshine Clan is actively preventing psychics from leaving, even going so far as to detain and interrogate them. They've gone too far. I heard a Basic Mastery expert attempted to defect but was intercepted and persuaded to return."
Listening to his descendants' concerns, Nathan's expression grew heavy.
Over the past decade and a half, despite Cloudview County's unique position, he had always strived to maintain a cordial relationship with the Emerald Empire.
After all, compared to the colossal might of the empire, the Blackwoods were but a speck of dust.
If the empire truly wished to crush them, they wouldn't stand a chance.
Their continued existence hinged solely on Cloudview County's role as a bulwark against the Druids.
But now...
"My love," Luna said, a gentle smile gracing her lips, "don't hesitate any longer. Our children need resources, and we won't stand idly by while others bully us."
Seeing the expectant gazes of his descendants upon him, Nathan's frustration boiled over.
"Do you truly believe I've grown senile?" he boomed.
"Huh?"
The room fell silent, everyone staring at him in surprise.
"George and Justin," Nathan continued, his voice laced with a hint of mischief, "have already infiltrated the Sunshine Clan's territory."
The Blackwood descendants gasped.
No wonder they hadn't seen their relatives lately.
They had already embarked on their mission! Discover hidden stories at m,v l'e|m-p| y r
Nathan let out a hearty laugh.
"We've already drained Cloudview County dry of its resources. The path of cultivation is long and arduous, spanning centuries. I've learned that the Way is ruthless, and the pursuit of power is a constant struggle. We, the Blackwoods, will not be bound by the whims of the Emerald Empire!"
His words were met with cheers of approval.
They had long yearned to challenge the Sunshine Clan, both to avenge Lucas and to secure the resources they desperately needed.
The Sunshine Clan's territory, the wealthiest in the south, was ripe for the taking.
Led by Nathan, the Blackwood clan made their way to the ancestral shrine.
As they departed, Lucas's eyes fluttered open.
He glanced down at the scar marring his chest, a flicker of shame crossing his features.
"Over two hundred years old, and I was laid low by a single sword strike for two whole years. How embarrassing."
He attempted to sit up, but his gaze fell upon Diana, who lay beside him, still unconscious.
Her beauty, even in sleep, was captivating.
Lucas frowned, thinking his little sister was being inconsiderate.
Why put him in the same bed as Diana?
The least she could have done was cover her up a bit.
He grabbed a nearby animal hide and gently draped it over Diana's chest.
"What are you looking at?" a voice said, sharp as a whip.
Lucas froze, his blood turning to ice as Diana's crescent moon eyes snapped open.
The air in the room crackled with killing intent.
A wave of awkwardness, a feeling he hadn't experienced in over a century, washed over him.
He thought quickly.
"Pfft!"
Lucas deliberately coughed up a mouthful of blood, then closed his eyes, feigning unconsciousness.
Everything would be alright when he woke up.
Hopefully.
"..."
Diana glanced down at the animal hide covering her, then back at Lucas.
He was a handsome one, she had to admit.
She decided to let it slide.