Early the next morning, Rhys Blackwood swiftly selected five new elders and abolished dozens of outdated clan laws in public.

Gareth Blackwood held the new clan rules in trembling hands, and among them, one clearly stated: "Anyone who steals a fellow clan member’s snake gallbladder shall be skinned and have their tendons pulled out."

"Sir, isn’t... isn’t this a bit too harsh?"

The Old Beastman asked cautiously.

Rhys Blackwood gathered a ball of black mist in his palm and blasted it right in front of the Old Beastman’s feet: "If you think it’s harsh, then get lost right now."

A pitch-black, bottomless hole instantly appeared at the Old Beastman’s feet, like the entrance to hell; the entire Aethel Serpent Clan fell silent with fear.

Gareth Blackwood swallowed hard and hurriedly declared his stance: "Not harsh, not harsh at all!"

Hell, skinning and pulling tendons was gentle compared to falling into an unknown black hole.

Rhys Blackwood shot him a cold look. "It’d better stay that way."

Then he turned to the five new elders. "Each of you will oversee one area. If disputes arise, try to resolve them among yourselves first. If you can’t manage it, report to me."

The five new elders quickly agreed, but secretly bemoaned their fate.

They thought being an elder would be prestigious, but now it seemed like a thankless job.

Three days later, Luna Sutton, Corbin Crowley, Rhys Blackwood, Kian Sterling, Zeke Veridian, Malachi Arcanus, Mael Valerius, Soren Phoenix, and their kids set out to return to the Lower Domain.

The Aethel Serpent Clan knelt outside the territory’s station until the entire procession disappeared beyond the horizon.

...

As for Luna Sutton’s group, they didn’t immediately return to the Wolf Tribe of the Lower Domain. Instead, they explored across Aetheria with their children for several days.

Spring planting was urgent, but not so urgent that a few days mattered. Since they rarely came to Aetheria, it would be a shame not to have some fun.

Luna Sutton and the others weren’t familiar with Aetheria and didn’t know the best places to visit.

Soren Phoenix and Mael Valerius led them the whole way.

They visited Butterfly Valley, vibrant with blooming flowers, and watched a sky full of colorful butterflies dance.

They roasted Aurelius fish at Vyrdian Marsh, even fishing up a few hundred-pound giants.

They also went to the majestic Eagle’s Nest Mountain and stood atop it, gazing down at the breathtaking views of all Aetheria.

The young ones had the time of their lives, and even Rhys Blackwood, usually so stoic, couldn’t help but smile.

Once everyone had enough fun and spring planting was about to begin, they tore through space and started their journey back to the Lower Domain.

......

The Lower Domain, Sky-mist Canyon, The Wolf Tribe.

Corbin Crowley looked out at the familiar mountains and forests, and a gentle warmth crept across his brows: "Home really is best."

Malachi Arcanus chimed in cheerfully: "Yeah, a gilded nest isn’t as comfy as your own doghouse."

Kian Sterling and Zeke Veridian exchanged glances, both rolling their eyes.

They had built these homes with their own hands—how did they become doghouses?

As Luna Sutton and the others approached the Wolf Tribe, they spotted Lyle Sutton looking out from atop the city wall.

"Dad!"

She leapt off Mael Valerius’ back in an instant.

Lyle Sutton immediately noticed them and hurried down the wall, three steps at a time, beaming: "Luna, you’re finally back! Nothing happened in Aetheria, did it?"

Mael Valerius and Soren Phoenix both landed and transformed into human form.

Corbin Crowley, Rhys Blackwood, Zeke Veridian, and Malachi Arcanus didn’t revert to their true forms, nor did they ride on anyone’s back. Instead, they returned via Sword Flight.

They’d seen so much in Aetheria that it wasn’t wise to show off too much, but now back in the Lower Domain, there was nothing to hide. The four flew straight on swords, reveling in the thrill of real sword flight.

Kian Sterling, with a string of little followers, hopped off Soren Phoenix’s back, eyeing Corbin Crowley, Rhys Blackwood, Zeke Veridian, and Malachi Arcanus with pure envy.

Luckily, his trip to Aetheria wasn’t without its rewards.

Thinking of the bright red Vermilion Fruit in his arms, his lips curled into a delighted smile.

He’d stumbled upon it while playing at Eagle’s Nest Mountain, and didn’t recognize it at first. Luna told him it was a rare treasure, able to cleanse the body’s meridians and boost cultivation.

Corbin Crowley, Rhys Blackwood, Zeke Veridian, Malachi Arcanus, Soren Phoenix, and Mael Valerius were all there at the time, but the Vermilion Fruit was unique, so he thought he wouldn’t get it.

Oddly enough, they all refused, saying they had already reached Foundation Establishment and didn’t need it.

In the end, he lucked out.

Kian Sterling didn’t know exactly what the fruit could do, but if Luna said it was valuable, it couldn’t be bad.

He carefully stroked the Vermilion Fruit against his chest, feeling utterly delighted.

Luna Sutton didn’t know what Kian Sterling was thinking, she smiled at Lyle Sutton, "Everything went great. Rhys Blackwood even became the Clan Leader of the Aethel Clan."

She didn’t mention how she was publicly questioned by the Dragon Clan, forced to call upon The Beast God for a manifestation.