It was obvious that the Riverborn Clan had specific individuals responsible for engraving the names of their clansmen onto the stele.

This was likely a position passed down through the generations, with the person in charge changing periodically.

Ethan briefly scanned the names and found that Senior Sister Althea's name wasn't on it. Ryan's name wasn't there either, nor was Tiberan's.

"A stele used to commemorate the names of the deceased?" Ethan guessed.

Just then, Tiberan's voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Many thanks to Young Master Ethan for intervening today. Without you, our Riverborn Clan likely wouldn't have survived tonight."

"Clan Head Tiberan can just call me Ethan. Althea is my Senior Sister. Hearing that Senior Sister Althea's family was in trouble, I naturally had to lend a hand, so I hurried over immediately. Fortunately, I arrived in time."

"However, the credit for repelling the Moonfall Clan today is not mine alone. It was all thanks to the Great Verdant's Eldest Princess, Senior Aaron, and the other seniors. I merely contributed some meager effort," Ethan said modestly.

"Don't call me Senior anymore. Just call me Uncle. The relationship between you and Althea is probably not as simple as just fellow disciples, is it?"

"When that girl returned, she argued with me several times, declaring she wouldn't marry anyone but you."

"At the time, I wondered what kind of person could utterly captivate my precious daughter."

"Seeing you today... you truly are a dragon among men."

"Crossing two major realms to defeat the Holy Son, who was regarded as the Moonfall Clan's future. Such a battle record can be called a rare sight in all of history. Your talent and combat strength are the greatest I have ever seen in my life. I am at ease leaving Althea in your care."

Tiberan spoke with a warm smile, expressing high approval for this future son-in-law. Although his aura was chaotic and his face pale from battle, he was genuinely happy.

For the Riverborn Clan to snag such a son-in-law, it could only be said that the ancestors had manifested their blessings.

"Uncle Tiberan praises me too highly. Being able to win today was merely by relying on the might of a Divine Artifact. It was a stroke of luck," Ethan smiled.

With Tiberan's approval, there would be no more problems regarding the matter between him and Senior Sister Althea.

Swoosh!

Two streaks of black light descended from the sky, landing behind Ethan.

"Young Master, we have returned," Lunara and Vex said, cupping their hands.

"How was it?" Ethan asked.

"Reporting to Mr. Ethan: the Moonfall Clan members have crossed the Glacier Rift Valley and left the Riverborn Clan's territory. There are currently no abnormalities," Lunara replied.

"Mhm." Ethan nodded.

He turned to Tiberan. "Uncle Tiberan, the Moonfall Clan's ambitions are massive. They absolutely will not let this matter rest."

"They left peacefully this time, likely out of fear of Aaron Verdant. After all, no one knows when Senior Aaron will leave the Far North Ice Field."

"I suggest Uncle Tiberan deploy people to station at the Glacier Rift Valley, and send scouts to monitor the Moonfall Clan's every move."

"At the same time, send manpower to investigate the situation of the other Ancient Clans."

"After this battle, although the Riverborn Clan won, the losses were not small."

"The Moonfall Clan has retreated for now, but one must always maintain a defensive heart against others. We still need to be wary of the other Ancient Clans to prevent them from taking advantage of our weakened state." Ethan advised.

Seeing Ethan's meticulous thought process, Tiberan couldn't help but like him even more.

This young man had a clear grasp of the situation and a strong sense of the bigger picture. His style of handling matters was truly remarkable for someone his age.

"Mhm. Leave the rest to us old folks. You expended a lot of energy today, you should rest early."

"Men! Prepare rooms for Young Master Ethan and his companions, and then lead Young Master Ethan to the clan's forbidden grounds," Tiberan waved his hand.

A middle-aged man with a handlebar mustache walked over from behind him.

"I am the Riverborn Clan Commander, Valen."

"That worthless brat Ryan is my disciple. Many thanks to Young Master Ethan for saving my disciple's life. Great kindness requires no words of thanks. If there is anything you need in the future, I, Valen, will definitely do my utmost," Valen said, cupping his hands.

"So it's Commander Valen, there is no need for this."

"Saving Ryan was just done in passing, it wasn't a big deal."

"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.