"I see. The ancient clans… they truly exist."
"These clans sound formidable. When immortals clash, mortals usually keep their distance."
Why would Flying Snow City involve itself and assist the Moonfall Clan in hunting soone from the Riverborn Clan?"
"Could it be," Ethan continued evenly, "that Flying Snow City actually belongs to the Moonfall Clan, and the City Lord's Mansion rely speaks on their behalf?"
The waiter's eyes flickered with surprise.
"For Young Master to deduce that, you must co from no ordinary background."
"You are correct."
"The City Lord's Mansion is indeed the Moonfall Clan's mouthpiece. The City Lord's daughter was favored by a talented direct disciple of the Moonfall Clan and married into their clan."
"In that sense, Flying Snow City is an extension of the Moonfall Clan's authority."
"I see. To encounter such turmoil while traveling the White North for experience."
The waiter lowered his voice slightly.
"The White North has not been peaceful recently. Traveling is fine, Young Master, but it is best not to venture too deep."
"Any ancient clan here can dominate an entire region. Moreover, there are rumors that these clans harbor Emperor Realm experts."
"Oh?"
"Emperor Realm experts?" Ethan displayed faint surprise.
"Exactly. Though it is only rumor. No one can confirm its truth," the waiter replied cautiously.
"Many thanks for the information. I will refrain from entering the depths of the White North this ti."
"Thank you for the information, I have no intention of involving myself."
Ethan cupped his hands lightly and placed another piece of top grade spiritual marrow on the table.
The waiter's eyes glead. He swiftly gathered the five pieces of spiritual marrow into his sleeves.
He was only a Foundation Establishnt cultivator. Five pieces of top grade spiritual marrow were beyond anything he had ever touched.
"Young Master is too generous. I should be the one thanking you. If there are no further instructions, I shall withdraw."
His attitude shifted from polite to reverent. He bowed deeply before retreating.
Even the Young City Lord could not act so extravagantly. These two were certainly from a great power, traveling for experience.
"Mhm."
Ethan nodded slightly.
After the waiter left, his expression turned solemn.
He recognized Ryan the mont he saw the portrait.
When the Riverborn Clan once ca to retrieve Althea, Ryan had tested him personally.
Though easily defeated, the man had been straightforward and decisive.
He admitted defeat without resentnt and did not rely on his background.
He was not unpleasant.
Ethan lifted his teacup and fell into thought.
Ryan was now wanted and missing.
Yet the Riverborn Clan had sent no one to retrieve him.
That could only an their situation was dire. They were likely confined deep within the White North, unable to break through the encirclent.
The waiter had ntioned Emperor Realm experts.
Judging from the current predicant, the Riverborn Clan likely did not possess one. Otherwise, they would not be reduced to this state.
As for whether the Moonfall Clan had one, that remained uncertain.
This journey into the White North demanded caution.
"Mr. Ethan, what should we do next?" Lunara asked quietly.
"Our destination remains the Riverborn Clan. However, their situation is worse than I anticipated. We eat first. We move after Vex arrives," Ethan replied calmly.
Lunara nodded and began tasting the dishes and tea.
After a mont, she spoke again.
"When I was the Saintess of the Palace of the Four Cycles, I learned so information about the Ancient Clans."
"Legend says they are the bloodlines of Great Emperors from the Old Era."
"As eras changed, countless powerful families were destroyed and faded into history."
"In this era, only a handful remain. Most are hidden within the White North. According to the ancient records of the Palace of the Four Cycles, there are thirteen such clans."
"Five are known publicly. The Moonfall Clan is among those with the strongest montum in recent centuries. Their foundation is not inferior to the Palace of the Four Cycles. It may even surpass it."
Ethan listened quietly and nodded.
"Stronger than the Palace of the Four Cycles."
His gaze remained steady.
"Do they have Emperor Realm experts?"
"I cannot confirm. Given their heritage, it is highly possible. But no one can say with certainty which clan truly has one."
"If it cannot be confird, we assu the Moonfall Clan has one."
His tone remained calm.
"We proceed under that assumption. If we encounter an Emperor, even I cannot guarantee a flawless escape."
"Rest assured, Mr. Ethan. At a critical mont, I will not hold you back," Lunara replied firmly.
As one of the Eight Strange Beasts, she possessed innate pride. Though inferior to Ethan, she was not fragile.
Ethan smiled faintly.
She was currently at the peak of the Ultimate Demon Lord Realm.
With sufficient secluded cultivation, she could digest her accumulated power and break into the Perfect Demon Lord Realm.
An Eight Strange Beast at the Perfect Demon Lord Realm would be nearly invincible unless an Emperor appeared.
"Since you know about these clans, do you know their locations?" Ethan asked.
"Their precise locations are unknown."
"Their ancestral lands are extrely secretive. So are rumored to exist within independent dinsions. Very few outsiders know their whereabouts."
"I see."
He lifted his teacup.
"We rest in Flying Snow City tonight. I will find an opportunity to investigate further."
Outside the window, steam rose from the tea.
In the White North, daylight was brief and night descended quickly.
Only half an hour had passed since their arrival, yet darkness already enveloped the city. Cold wind howled through the streets.
After finishing their al, they reserved a single room.
Under countless undisguised gazes, Ethan walked beside Lunara toward the room.
The door closed with a soft creak.
Below, diners clenched their fists in jealousy.
They envied his fortune and resented their own inadequacy.
Inside, Ethan and Lunara entered quietly.
"Rest," Ethan said, taking a seat at the desk.
The single room was chosen for convenience. Nothing more.
"You have traveled without pause, Mr. Ethan. Rest tonight. I will keep watch," Lunara said.
"Though I traveled, so did you. Your cultivation is higher, but in terms of endurance, you are far inferior to ," Ethan replied lightly.
Silence followed.
Lunara could not refute him.
Though it struck her pride, it was true.
Her consumption of energy far exceeded his.
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