Chapter 308 It's a difficult choice
Chapter 308 It's a difficult choice
While Marcus and the Sky Sect disciples made their move openly, a different kind of mobilization was taking place back in Cloudview County.
Before the Primordial Bloodwood stood a throng of Blackwood descendants, all of them offspring of Jeffrey's line.
These were the same youngsters who had once gathered outside Glory City, striking heroic poses and vowing to emulate their legendary elders.
Sadly, none of them had achieved the same level of renown as their predecessors.
Some had made names for themselves within Cloudview County, but their accomplishments were confined to the younger generation.
Besides, Cloudview County was now a tightly-knit community.
Even their sparring matches were considered friendly competitions.
Anyone who dared to bully a Blackwood descendant would face the wrath of the Heavenly Justice Hall and the Oracle Chamber.
The fifth and sixth-generation descendants were essentially living in a sheltered bubble.
They all yearned to surpass their elders, but the reality was harsh.
They could mimic their ancestors' actions, but they couldn't escape their shadows.
The Blackwoods didn't glorify suffering, but they understood that adversity often forged the strongest individuals.
Some thrived under pressure, while others crumbled and faded into obscurity.
Of course, there were exceptions.
Katie was one such anomaly, but no other Blackwood descendant could compare to her unique circumstances.
The little princess had been born into privilege, with a doting brother, Joseph, a father who secretly ruled Cloudview County, and an uncle who held a similar position.
No one would shower affection on a hundred-plus descendants without expecting something in return.
The Blackwood treasure vault was overflowing with riches, but to claim their share, the younger generation had to prove their worth.
Today, they stood before the ancient tree, their eyes burning with anticipation.
Their elders were about to assign them their missions.
Tales of their ancestors' exploits were legendary throughout Cloudview County, but when people spoke of Jeffrey's line, they often dismissed them as a fading branch.
They were overshadowed by the family's illustrious past, but they refused to be defined by it.
They weren't a fading lineage.
They simply needed an opportunity to prove that the blood coursing through their veins burned just as brightly as their ancestors'.
They, too, could carry the Forebearer's Psychic Position and make their mark on the world, spreading the Blackwood clan's glory far and wide!
"Craig," the Primordial Bloodwood's voice echoed, a deep rumble that shook the very air around them, "Emerging Ability level two, with a triple psychic constitution. You are bold, impulsive, but possess a generous heart. Your path does not lie in the Sunshine Province."
"You will serve in the Heavenly Justice Hall in Azure Cloud's Jubilee County. You will become a respected leader, forge lasting friendships, and find a virtuous wife."
"Yes, Divine Tree!" Craig replied, bowing deeply.
"Rick," the ancient tree continued, its voice softening slightly, "peak Foundational Energy level, with a quadruple psychic constitution. You are blessed with a handsome visage. I have seen glimpses of your past, your unwavering determination. I know you aspire to become a warrior in the Azure Cloud army, but perhaps your destiny lies in the Sunshine Province."
"Divine Tree," Rick asked, his eyes wide with curiosity, "with your vast knowledge, can you tell me if the Sunshine Province has an army?"
"Indeed, they do," the Primordial Bloodwood replied, its voice a rustling whisper carried on the wind.
"Wayne," the ancient tree intoned, turning its attention to a bright-eyed youth, "a promising young man with a dual psychic constitution. Your future lies in the Sunshine Province's Golden Valley County. You will soar like an eagle, starting your journey by weaving straw sandals in Golden Valley's county town."
"No wonder Grandfather always said I had a knack for farming," Wayne chuckled.
"..."
One by one, the Blackwood descendants stepped forward, seeking guidance from the Primordial Bloodwood.
Nathan and Luna watched with furrowed brows.
They weren't entirely comfortable with their descendants glimpsing into their potential futures.
It brought back painful memories of their own children's quests for signs and omens, their actions guided by the Primordial Bloodwood's pronouncements.
Back then, their fourth-generation descendants had faced countless trials and tribulations, some even losing their lives in the process.
Edward and Nicholas had been profoundly affected by those experiences.
Nathan and Luna wanted their descendants to live safe and fulfilling lives within the protective embrace of Glory City and Cloudview County.
They might not know all of them personally, but every grandparent wished for their descendants' happiness.
But life was rarely that simple.
Most of their descendants yearned for something more than a peaceful existence in Cloudview County.
Given the slightest opportunity, their ambition would blossom.
And who were they to stand in their way?
After all, if they remained confined to Cloudview County, they might never reach their full potential, their cultivation stagnating before they even reached the Developing Skill level.
"A life of peace and comfort, or a life of struggle and glory... it's a difficult choice," Nathan sighed, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his responsibilities.
"I'm getting old. When I was young, I never overthought things. I would have fought tooth and nail for a single energy stone. Back then, I wanted all my children to be like me, willing to sacrifice everything for the clan. Now, all I want is for my descendants to be happy."
"My love," Luna said, gently squeezing Nathan's arm, "why torment ourselves with such dilemmas? Every child has their own path to forge. It's their journey, not ours."
"After all," she continued, "they carry the Blackwood blood. It's in their nature to seek adventure and make their mark on the world. As elders, the worst thing we can do is interfere. If they make mistakes, we'll guide them back on track. But if they have dreams and aspirations, we should support them with all our might."
"You're right," Nathan said, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
In the distance, Jeffrey stood with his wives, a colorful gaggle of women who usually filled Glory City with their boisterous laughter.
Now, they watched their children receive their assignments with a mixture of pride and apprehension.
Jeffrey puffed out his chest, his gaze sweeping over his descendants.
He had heard whispers that his children were weak and unworthy of the Blackwood name.
Nonsense!
Every single one of his offspring was far more capable than he had ever been.
He knew his only real talent was his handsome face, but... he had raised a brood of exceptional children!
"My children," he called out, his voice booming across the clearing, "remember to stay safe out there! Protect yourselves! And when you achieve greatness, don't forget to send back energy stones and natural treasures to support your old man!"