Chapter 527: Chapter 399: The Aethel Serpent Clan

Especially since Young Lord Hawthorne and Clan Leader Soren Fawkes are here as well.

The other beastmen, though their identities are unknown, all carry an aura of immense power.

For The Aethel Serpent Clan, it’s hard to say whether this is a blessing or a curse.

Luckily, he had no ulterior motives—he just wanted The Aethel Serpent Clan to restore its former glory, to become one of Aetheria’s top powers again and never be bullied by others.

This was Gareth Blackwood’s wish, and the reason he’d secretly come to find Rhys Blackwood.

Rhys shot him a glance and said coldly, "Lead the way, up front."

Gareth quickly complied, shifting into a massive obsidian Aethel Serpent, nervously slithering before them.

Every now and then, he’d steal a glance at the murderous group behind him.

The group followed close at his heels, rising up into the air.

Mael Valerius stayed in his hundred-meter golden dragon form, carrying Luna Sutton and two dragon hatchlings.

Soren Phoenix carried Kian Sterling, Zeke Veridian, and the rest, as well as a bunch of younglings.

Rhys flew alone, his expression icy.

Corbin Crowley didn’t ride on Soren’s back but flew alongside Rhys, the two exchanging a few quiet words from time to time—who knows what they were talking about.

Vyrdian Marsh wasn’t far from the Aethel Serpent Clan territory; the group arrived after about half an hour of flying.

The architecture of The Aethel Serpent Clan was completely different from The Dragon Clan—most houses built atop colossal ancient trees or perched on sheer cliffs, looking like treehouses hanging in midair from afar.

At this moment, the new Clan Leader Zane Blackwood was frantically dealing with provocations from several subordinate tribes.

"Chief Blackwood, unless you cut this year’s tribute by another thirty percent, The Fire Lizard Clan will be looking for a new patron."

"We of The White Crane Clan feel the same way."

Zane’s fists clenched, his face thunderous.

If this had been a year ago, would these low-ranked tribes dare act so brash in front of The Aethel Serpent Clan?

But since the old Clan Leader and so many elders died suddenly, the clan’s power weakened, and these subordinate tribes began stirring, even daring to openly challenge them.

He reined in his anger. "Everyone, The Aethel Serpent Clan has treated you well—why seize the opportunity to rob us now?"

As soon as the words left his mouth—

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the hall.

"Clan Leader, Elder Gareth Blackwood has returned, and he brought..."

The guard never finished—he was flung into the hall, landing hard in the center.

Zane shot to his feet. "Who dares make a scene in The Aethel Serpent Clan?"

"Me."

A glacial voice echoed.

Rhys strode into the hall, Luna Sutton and the others at his back.

His sharp gaze swept everyone present, finally settling on Zane. "You’re the new Clan Leader?"

Zane was cowed by his eyes, instinctively stepping back half a pace. "You... who are you?"

Elder Gareth hurried forward. "Clan Leader, this is Lord Rhys—a grandson of the late Sixth Elder Gareth Blackwood..."

"What?"

Zane’s face changed drastically.

After the mass deaths among the high ranks last year, rumors had spread—the Sixth Elder’s grandson had returned for revenge.

Now the man himself stood before him. How could he not panic?

"Lord Rhys has returned to retrieve the Sixth Elder’s serpent bones, and to restore The Aethel Serpent Clan!"

Gareth cast a deliberate, loud announcement toward those provocative subordinate tribes gathered in the hall.

As soon as he finished, the hall erupted.

The messengers from those subordinate tribes went pale as death.

They’d just seen it for themselves—standing behind Rhys were The Dragon Clan Young Master and the Phoenix Clan Chief.

The other beastmen, even if their identities were unclear, radiated terrifying strength.

Zane struggled to steady himself. "Rhys, your family was banished from the clan twenty years ago. Now..."

He didn’t finish speaking.

"Smack."

Corbin Crowley slapped him across the hall with a palm from afar: "Useless trash, if you know what’s good for you, get lost. Say one more word and I’ll peel your snake skin off."

Zane was slammed against the wall, blood spitting from his mouth, terror all over his face.

He had no clue who this beastman was, but the aura crushed him with fear.

He knew, he was no match for these people.

Rhys threw him a chilly look, turned to stride outside: "Take me to the altar."

Gareth quickly agreed, leading the way to the altar.

Luna Sutton and the others followed, a crowd of curious younglings tagging along.

The Aethel Serpent Clan’s altar was built deep within a gloomy valley, thick with sinister energy.

Rhys stood at the center of the altar, staring at the rune-carved stone slabs beneath his feet, fists crackling audibly.

"Boom..."

He slammed his fist down. The altar collapsed instantly.

Gareth’s mouth twitched, but he dared not utter a word.

If the altar’s destroyed—well, rebuild it later.

The dust settled, and a battered skeleton slowly emerged.

After twenty years, the bones had lost their luster, yet still radiated a sense of former strength and unyielding will.

Rhys gazed into those hollow sockets, as if witnessing his grandfather’s unwillingness and resentment in his dying moments.

He slowly knelt down, gently stroking the remains. "Grandfather, I’ve come home."

Just a few simple words, yet laden with story and emotion.

Luna stood beside him, watching as this strong, aloof man for once revealed his vulnerable side, feeling moved despite herself.

Corbin and the others just stood quietly, not disturbing him.

Gareth, knowing the moment, handed over a large wooden box.

Rhys carefully placed his grandfather’s remains inside, his expression full of grief.

"Wait."

Zane suddenly rushed over with clan members. "That’s our clan’s sacred relic! You can’t..."

"Get lost..."

Corbin’s silver eyes were cold as ice—he kicked him three zhang away without a second thought.

Zane was sent flying, coughing up blood as he landed, then passed out, life or death uncertain.

The surrounding Aethel Serpent clan members looked at each other, but none dared help.

Come on, even the Clan Leader just got sent flying with one kick—if they went over, wouldn’t they just be asking for it?

Soren Phoenix shook his fan, amused. "Stone-face, want me to burn this place for you? I guarantee it’ll be pristine when I’m done."

"No need."

Rhys shot them an icy glance, turned and left cradling the box, voice gritty, "To the back mountain."

There was a bamboo grove on the back mountain—Rhys played there often as a child.

Though more than twenty years had passed, he still remembered the place.

He personally dug the grave and buried his grandfather’s remains.

Corbin and the others took turns covering the earth, and even the most rambunctious younglings squatted quietly by the side.

Rhys knelt before the grave, bowing heavily a few times: "Grandfather, rest in peace."

Then he stood, eyes sweeping across Luna Sutton, Corbin Crowley, Kian Sterling, Zeke Veridian, Malachi Arcanus, Soren Phoenix, Mael Valerius, and the others.

"Thank you."

Rhys forced the two words out, his ears reddening.

He seldom spoke; this was his limit.

Kian grinned, smoothing things over: "All right, finish up here and go eat roast fish. The hatchlings are so hungry they’re gnawing their claws."

Just as he spoke, Gareth led a swarm of Aethel Serpent clan members, who all dropped to their knees, "Lord Rhys, please become Clan Leader!"

Rhys’s face darkened: "Not interested."

"Lord!"

Gareth banged his head to the ground. "The altar’s wrecked, the old lineage wiped out, the new Clan Leader’s a useless fool..."

The booted and blacked out Zane: "..."

"If you don’t take charge, The Aethel Serpent Clan is finished. Sooner or later we’ll become a bottom-tier tribe. If Sixth Elder were here, he’d never stomach seeing us fall so far."

Gareth was in tears, deeply earnest.

Rhys frowned at Corbin, the meaning clear.

You’re the boss, aren’t you always fussing over these messes?

Take care of this mess for me, would you?

Corbin knew exactly what he was thinking and scowled instantly. "Don’t look at me—I’m not an Aethel Serpent and don’t enjoy cleaning up your messes."

Rhys turned to Luna.

Luna shrugged, "You’re of The Aethel Serpent Clan—it’s your clan. You decide for yourself."

Rhys sighed inwardly—he wished to refuse, but couldn’t shake off this responsibility.

After all, The Aethel Serpent Clan was his bloodline. Even if he’d been banished years ago, those bonds couldn’t be severed.

He looked at the frightened, uneasy clan members before him, a mixture of feelings inside.

He was silent for a moment, then finally spoke, "I’ll take charge of the clan for now, but I have a few conditions."

Gareth and the others were overjoyed, bowing repeatedly: "Please, Lord, name your terms! Not just a few—hundreds, thousands! We’ll agree to all!"

Rhys gave them a frosty look. "First, the clan rules will be rewritten. All members must obey. Any who don’t will be punished harshly."

"Second, elders will be re-selected. Those who only curry favor, fear death, or are useless are out."

"Third, from now on, The Aethel Serpent Clan must coexist peacefully with other tribes—no more bullying the weak."

Gareth and the others hurriedly agreed: "We will obey the Clan Leader’s orders!"

Rhys’s brow twitched: "I haven’t agreed to be Clan Leader yet."

Gareth immediately corrected himself: "Yes, yes, Lord, whatever you say."

Looking at these sniveling clan members, Rhys grew even more irritated.

He turned to Luna, eyes asking for her opinion.

Luna saw his struggle, gave a calm smile: "If you want to lead, then do it thoroughly. If you don’t, we can leave right now."

Corbin added coldly: "No need to force yourself."

Rhys fell silent for a moment, then made up his mind. "I’ll act as Clan Leader for now, but won’t stay long. Gareth and the newly chosen elders will handle day-to-day affairs. Only if major decisions arise will you send word to me."

Though Gareth was a bit disappointed, he knew it was the best outcome and quickly agreed: "Rest assured, Lord, we’ll do our utmost. We won’t let you down!"

Rhys nodded, saying nothing more.

He turned to his grandfather’s grave, bowed again three times, and finally left with the rest.

Luna and the others didn’t return to Vyrdian Marsh, instead staying the night with The Aethel Serpent Clan.

After a simple meal, everyone went off to sleep.

Corbin stood outside a treehouse, his silver eyes reflecting the moonlight.

Rhys appeared beside him without anyone seeing, both gazing in silence at the distant mountain shadows.

"What are you planning?"

Corbin suddenly broke the silence, his voice heavy.

Rhys absentmindedly rubbed his fingertips. "Tomorrow I’ll choose a few pleasing candidates as elders."

Corbin nodded slightly. "That works—someone’s got to handle things."

Rhys glanced at him, "You staying to help me?"

Corbin’s silver eyes turned frosty. "Dream on."

The two stared at each other for a moment. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Rhys’s mouth twitched almost invisibly. "True, you do prefer farming."

Corbin: "..."