God-Tier Fishing System Chapter 734 734
Previously on God-Tier Fishing System...
It was evident that the Riverborn Clan designated certain individuals for the solemn task of inscribing the names of their members onto the commemorative stele.
This duty was likely a hereditary position, with the responsibility transferred across generations and periodically changing hands.
Ethan's gaze swept over the inscriptions, noting the absence of Senior Sister Althea's name. Ryan's name was also missing, as was Tiberan's.
"Is this a memorial stele for the departed?" Ethan ventured a guess.
At that moment, Tiberan's voice interjected, drawing Ethan from his contemplation.
"Many thanks to Young Master Ethan for your timely intervention today. Without your presence, our Riverborn Clan would scarcely have seen this night through."
"Clan Head Tiberan, please just refer to me as Ethan. Althea is my Senior Sister. Upon hearing of Senior Sister Althea's family's predicament, I felt compelled to offer my assistance immediately. Thankfully, my arrival was not in vain."
"However, the victory against the Moonfall Clan today is not solely my doing. The true credit belongs to the Great Verdant's Eldest Princess, Senior Aaron, and the other esteemed seniors present. My own contribution was but a minor effort," Ethan stated with humility.
"No longer address me as Senior. Simply call me Uncle. The connection between you and Althea, I suspect, runs deeper than that of mere fellow disciples, does it not?"
"When that girl returned, she spoke with me on several occasions, emphatically declaring her intention to marry no one but you."
"At the time, I pondered what kind of individual possessed the ability to so completely capture my cherished daughter's heart."
"Witnessing you today... you are indeed exceptional, a true dragon among men."
"To overcome two major cultivation realms and vanquish the Holy Son, who was considered the future of the Moonfall Clan. Such an accomplishment is a rarity etched in the annals of history. Your talent and martial prowess are unparalleled in my lifetime. I can rest assured, leaving Althea in your capable hands."
Tiberan's words were accompanied by a warm smile, conveying his profound satisfaction with Ethan as a potential son-in-law. Despite the lingering traces of battle on his person, his heart overflowed with genuine happiness.
For the Riverborn Clan to secure such a match, it could only be attributed to the manifest blessings of their ancestors.
"Uncle Tiberan, your praise is far too generous. Our success today was merely due to the might of a Divine Artifact. It was a fortunate turn of events," Ethan replied with a smile.
With Tiberan's endorsement, any potential obstacles concerning his relationship with Senior Sister Althea had seemingly vanished.
Swoosh!
Two swift blurs of black light descended from above, landing gracefully behind Ethan.
"Young Master, we have returned," Lunara and Vex announced, their hands clasped in greeting.
"What was the outcome?" Ethan inquired.
"Reporting to Mr. Ethan, the members of the Moonfall Clan have indeed crossed the Glacier Rift Valley and exited the Riverborn Clan's domain. We detected no irregularities," Lunara confirmed.
"Understood." Ethan gave a slight nod.
He then turned his attention back to Tiberan. "Uncle Tiberan, the Moonfall Clan harbors immense ambitions. They will undoubtedly seek retribution for this defeat."
"Their retreat today was likely motivated by apprehension towards Aaron Verdant. After all, none can predict when Senior Aaron might depart from the Far North Ice Field."
"I propose that Uncle Tiberan dispatch forces to secure the Glacier Rift Valley and deploy scouts to meticulously monitor all movements of the Moonfall Clan."
"Concurrently, resources should be allocated to investigate the status of the other Ancient Clans."
"Following this conflict, while the Riverborn Clan emerged victorious, their losses were substantial."
"Though the Moonfall Clan has temporarily withdrawn, constant vigilance against potential threats is essential. We must remain wary of the other Ancient Clans, lest they exploit our current weakened state," Ethan advised.
Observing Ethan's thorough and strategic foresight, Tiberan's admiration only deepened.
This young man possessed a keen understanding of the situation and a remarkable grasp of the broader implications. His approach to handling affairs was truly impressive for someone of his age.
"Indeed. Allow us elders to manage the remaining matters. You expended considerable energy today; you should prioritize rest."
"Guards! Prepare suitable quarters for Young Master Ethan and his companions. Following that, escort Young Master Ethan to the clan's sacred forbidden grounds," Tiberan commanded, gesturing.
A middle-aged man, distinguished by a neatly trimmed mustache, approached from Tiberan's flank.
"I am Valen, Commander of the Riverborn Clan."
"That young rascal Ryan is my disciple. My deepest gratitude to Young Master Ethan for preserving my disciple's life. Such profound kindness transcends the need for words. Should you require anything in the future, know that I, Valen, will dedicate my utmost effort," Valen pledged, his hands clasped respectfully.
"Commander Valen, greetings. Such formalities are unnecessary."
"Assisting Ryan was a simple matter, nothing significant."
"Right, please take me directly to the forbidden grounds, Commander Valen. As for resting, the three of us can rest anywhere," Ethan replied.
Although he appeared calm on the surface, his heart surged with emotion and slight excitement. He hadn't seen Senior Sister Althea in a long time. He wondered how she was doing now.
Ethan suppressed his restless emotions, his expression returning to indifference.
"Alright," Valen nodded.
He understood Ethan's feelings.
After a young couple had been separated for years, it was naturally difficult to suppress the longing and excitement in their hearts.
Once the Miss came out of seclusion, the two lovers reunited after so many years would be like dry wood and raging fire. It would probably ignite at the slightest touch.
Under Valen's lead, Ethan's group of three passed through a sprawling expanse of ice and snow forest, arriving at an enclosed valley area.
Stepping out of the forest felt like parting the clouds to see the sun. Like walking a winding path leading to a secluded, wondrous new world.
Ahead was a sheer cliff face that looked as if it had been cleaved by a single blade. The cliff was extremely high, towering into the clouds.
"The scenery here seems somewhat unusual."
"Why couldn't we see such a high cliff when we were outside? Could it be that this place is in a different space from the outside?" Lunara looked around, her slender brows furrowing slightly.
"Exactly, the moment we walked into the forest, the space began to change."
"That entire forest of ice and snow was a passageway entering another space," Ethan explained.
He had noticed the subtle spatial shifts the moment he stepped into the forest. However, this was completely normal.
This was the forbidden grounds of an Ancient Clan, the location of a Great Emperor's inheritance. It was perfectly reasonable for it to be protected by a space secret realm.