Ethan never saw it coming. Just yesterday, Ralph and the others were all talk, but today they flipped like night and day. The ones who shouted loudest about not going to Crestwood Hills were the first to bolt.
In an instant.
The three brothers, rushing toward Crestwood Hills, suddenly stopped in their tracks, looking at each other in confusion. Searᴄh the ηovelFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
Their chests were heaving!
"Big brother, the Forebearer in my arms is moving."
"We've been spotted, didn't we agree that wrapping up the Forebearer would keep it hidden?"
"True to its nature, I always knew the Forebearer was watching me. Haha, it's not the sacrifices it enjoys, but watching me in action!"
"..."
You three little rascals, can't you speak plainly?
[Stop, don't go!]
Ethan didn't have time to scold them, he wrote these words using Psychic Position.
But seeing the words floating in mid-air, they all shook their heads in unison.
George chuckled, "Forebearer, we know you're worried about us, but we really need to go this time."
"Yes, Forebearer, we're not just seeking thrills," Justin said earnestly.
As soon as he spoke, George quickly covered his mouth, smiling bitterly, "Don't listen to this madman, Forebearer."
"These past two years have been peaceful, but when High Priest Clark visited yesterday, something was off. I could tell they might attack soon, and it won't just be the three factions."
"That's why High Priest Clark is so desperate for an alliance. He's afraid other factions will compete with them for land."
Hearing this.
Justin pulled George's hand away, staring at his brother incredulously, as if to say, how could you, who shuns worldly affairs, guess what I had guessed?
George ignored his younger brother.
He continued, "Mr. Stephen was wholeheartedly devoted to Azure Cloud. The legacy he left must be valuable, it could definitely help our Blackwood. I'm willing to trust Stephen once more, to seek a new opportunity for Blackwood."
"Besides, I'm used to digging graves, and with so many predecessors to help, I might just find what others cannot."
"Hehe."
George grinned foolishly.
Then the three fools stared intently at the Psychic Position, and at the screen, as if looking at Ethan.
Ethan could tell, no amount of persuasion would work. They seemed to have a belief, a conviction that they were the right ones for this mission.
Then...
"Boom!"
The screen went black, a cloud of dark smoke released by the trio obscured everything!
Ethan's face darkened.
He clicked on the trio's icons again, they were flying fast.
"Ahaha, big brother always has a plan, a feint, and we made our escape!"
"Quick, wrap up the Psychic Position, then the Forebearer won't be able to find us."
"Are you guys nuts? The Forebearer is definitely still watching, hurry up, or the Forebearer's Psychic Position will catch up."
"..."
Ethan ran his hand from his forehead to his chin, grinding his teeth for a moment before letting out a long sigh, "Such fools."
Immediately.
He switched the view to Olivia.
This time only the Psychic Position floated up.
"Forebearer."
Seeing the Psychic Position floating beside her, "You found us after all. Did you want me to bring those three back?"
"..."
Indeed, Olivia could guess a thing or two about everything.
"My child really needs to go."
Olivia smiled sweetly, "Those three are quite reckless, I need to protect them. Besides, I have some influence in the Druids, and this time, securing that artifact is a must. The family has been quiet these past two years, and I need to let the Druids know that even in their midst, we Blackwoods can move as if we own the place!"
"Forebearer, I didn't mean to hide it from you. Father... he's getting older, and I'm growing up. He's increasingly worried about my safety. If I didn't keep it from him, he would never let me go."
Ethan fell silent.
What does he mean, getting older? That's just an excuse.
Didn't he know that Olivia and those three troublemakers shared the same thought, predicting the Druids' imminent arrival, wanting to give Blackwood a boost?
Olivia was just afraid that if she spoke up, Nathan would take it upon himself to lead the charge.
He suddenly laughed.
"Go for it!"
He slammed his fist on the table, "If you're going to compete, know that Forebearer is your strongest support!"
...
Moments later.
Ethan switched the view to Nathan.
The coffin lid shot up, and Nathan emerged from the smoke.
"Damn, those little troublemakers! Even Olivia won't listen!"
As soon as Nathan saw Luna holding Katie, he started shouting angrily, "Those three I can understand, but Olivia... she's driving me mad!"
His good daughter had actually lied to him!
"Why are you in such a hurry? Even Forebearer isn't panicking," Luna said soothingly.
...
Ethan touched his nose, to be honest, even Forebearer was anxious about the clever Olivia lying.
Luna smiled, "It's just how kids are, they do it so we won't worry. Look at you now, they didn't dare tell you yesterday because they were afraid you'd stop them."
"Your worrying now only makes them uneasy. Calm down, they've already gone. Just get ready to have Lucas and Amelia go support them."
"Yeah, you're right."
Nathan nodded slightly.
Just as he was about to act, someone came to report.
Nathan and Luna both frowned, and the couple headed to the living room.
...
"People from the Duke's Mansion?"
Watching the scene in the hall, Ethan's anger cooled down. He and his family had a strong dislike for the Duke's Mansion.
Edward and his wife were sitting to the side.
Edward's face was icy as he looked forward, while Betty kept her head down, her lips pursed and her fists clenched tightly.
Joseph, who usually either slept in on the Primordial Blood Tree or experienced ordinary life on the streets of Gratitude Village, was also there. He glanced at the newcomers, his expression a mix of mockery and anger.
Facing them was Kenneth from the Duke's Mansion!
Michael's eldest son seemed younger now, sipping tea with an air of restraint.
"Tap, tap, tap!"
Nathan and his wife approached, and Kenneth suddenly stood up, not yet speaking.
Nathan hummed, "What? Michael didn't dare to come himself? Had to send his son? That's quite the slight to us Blackwoods, isn't it?"
"This... my father is unwell."
Kenneth lied with open eyes, but he also probably knew some of the truth about the current state of Cloudview County. He even suspected that if his father came in person, he might end up buried in Blackwood.
Nathan scoffed, "Speak up, then. If it's nothing important, and Michael didn't come himself, we have nothing to discuss."
"Understood."
Kenneth wiped the sweat from his forehead, "Here's the thing, our in-law..."