Forest Clan’s Crisis (Four)

"Yun Jie, you dare!" Yin Niu spat, his voice laced with venomous fury. His carefully laid plans were crumbling before his eyes, threatened by the unexpected intervention of the Cloud Clan and their audacious proposal to involve the Royal Family.

"Patriarch Yun, that's out of line," Bai Wen added, his frown deepening as he considered the potential repercussions of Yun Jie's actions. "How can we trouble the Royal Family with such trivial matters? Do you not fear the repercussions?"

Yun Jie smirked, a glint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Fear the repercussions? Tell me, Elder Bai, is it my Cloud Clan that should tremble in fear, or your White and Silver Clans, with your dubious alliances and questionable dealings?"

The air crackled with tension as Yun Jie's words hung heavy in the silence that followed. The unbending bear, Bai Wei, could no longer contain his fury. The Cloud Clan had made their position clear, and there was no need to maintain a pretense of civility.

"Hmph," he scoffed, his voice laced with disdain. "Unless you intend to summon your father, I suggest you keep your nose out of matters that do not concern you."

"My father?" Yun Jie chuckled, his amusement turning into a cold, calculating glint. "You overestimate your own importance, Bear. To deal with the likes of you, I am more than enough."

His spiritual pressure, empowered by his half-step Spirit Gate cultivation, erupted outwards, meeting Unbending Bear's force head-on. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the two powerhouses locked gazes, their auras clashing in a silent battle of wills.

Lin Huangfu watched the exchange with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension. He still couldn't fathom why the Cloud Clan had chosen to support them, risking the wrath of the Overlord and the other powerful factions. Their intervention had undoubtedly saved the Forest Clan from immediate destruction. At that moment, anyone that dared to choose their side was taking great risk.

Peng Cai, the Red-Armored City Lord, remained silent, his mind racing. He had initially underestimated the Forest Clan, but now he found himself caught between three formidable forces: the Cloud Clan, the White Clan, and the Silver Clan, all with their own agendas and the power to crush him like an insect. He feared the Cloud Clan's mastery of mind arts and formations, their ability to manipulate and deceive, turning allies against each other and sowing discord among their enemies.

With the Silver Clan joining forces with the White Clan and the City Lord's Mansion, they might have had a chance to overpower the Forest Clan. But with the Cloud Clan's intervention, the balance of power had shifted dramatically. Peng Cai knew that any attempt to seize the Forest Clan's resources by force would likely result in a costly and potentially disastrous conflict.

Suddenly, a voice dripping with arrogance and amusement cut through the tense atmosphere. "Well, well," Sunflower Spear, a notorious and ruthless cultivator from the Sunflower Pavilion, drawled as he approached the gathering, his entourage of powerful cultivators trailing behind him like a pack of wolves. "Can the mighty bear truly handle the Cloud Clan Patriarch? The Sunflower Pavilion would be delighted to witness such an entertaining spectacle."

"Sunflower Pavilion, Sunflower Spear!" Lin Huangfu's frown deepened at the arrival of Sunflower Spear. The Sunflower Pavilion, with its vast resources and shadowy network, was a force to be reckoned with. Their involvement in the downfall of the Bright Clan was well known, and their sudden interest in the Forest Clan did not bode well.

Peng Cai and Bai Wei exchanged a wary glance, their minds racing. Had the Silver Clan, with their close ties to the Sunflower Pavilion, summoned them to secure a larger share of the spoils?

Yin Niu, however, seemed just as surprised as they were. He bowed respectfully towards Sunflower Spear, his voice laced with a hint of apprehension. "Greetings, Daoist Sunflower."

Sunflower Spear merely nodded curtly in response, his gaze sweeping across the assembled cultivators before settling on Lin Huangfu. "Pay me no mind," he said dismissively. "Continue with your squabble."

Confusion rippled through the crowd as they struggled to decipher Sunflower Spear's intentions.

Unbeknownst to the others, Sunflower Spear had sent a private message to Lin Huangfu through spiritual transmission. 'Patriarch Lin,' he began, his voice smooth and persuasive, 'it appears your clan finds itself in a rather precarious predicament. The Sunflower Pavilion is willing to offer its protection and ensure your safety.'

Lin Huangfu frowned, his mind wary. 'And what would the Sunflower Pavilion require in return for such generosity?'

'A small price, truly,' Sunflower Spear replied with a sly smile. 'We merely desire the ancient pill recipe and a selection of your clan's remarkable arts. In return, you will retain your autonomy and operate independently, under the protective umbrella of the Sunflower Pavilion. We shall even consider you a valued ally.'

The other leaders, sensing the exchange of secret messages, exchanged curious glances, but none dared to interrupt or question the powerful Sunflower Spear. The Sunflower Pavilion was an existence much greater than any of them!

'The Pill Recipe!' Lin Huangfu's head hurt. Everyone else came here for the arts, but the Sunflower Pavilion discovered the existence of the Pill Recipe. Did their messengers betray them or were them captured?

Lin Huangfu's mind raced, weighing the options before him. The pill recipe was a valuable asset, and the Sunflower Pavilion's offer was tempting. With their backing, the Forest Clan would be safe from the immediate threat posed by the White Clan, the Silver Clan, and the City Lord's Mansion. Should he give them the recipe and arts? Would that save his Forest Clan?

However, surrendering the recipe and their arts would come at a steep price. It would mean relinquishing a significant portion of their newfound power and potentially aligning themselves with a treacherous organization known for its ruthlessness and deceit. He had witnessed firsthand the consequences of the Sunflower Pavilion's machinations during the downfall of the Bright Clan, an event that had led to the capture of his beloved wife.

Lin Huangfu knew that even with the Sunflower Pavilion's protection, the other clans would not relent. They had seen the potential of Lin Qiang and Lin Dong, and their greed would not be easily sated. The Forest Clan would have to remain constantly vigilant, forever living under the shadow of betrayal and exploitation.

No, surrendering to the Sunflower Pavilion was not the path to true survival and prosperity. It was merely trading one form of oppression for another. He looked at his clan members, their faces etched with a mix of determination and apprehension, their eyes reflecting their unwavering trust in his leadership. They did not know the specifics of the Sunflower Pavilion's offer, but they sensed the gravity of the decision before them.

Lin Huangfu drew a deep breath, his gaze steady as he addressed Sunflower Spear. "I appreciate your offer, Senior," he said with a respectful bow. "However, the Forest Clan is not willing to negotiate under duress. We ask that you remain neutral and allow us to resolve our differences with the other clans before considering any trade agreements."

Sunflower Spear's smile vanished, replaced by a scowl of irritation and disappointment. Lin Huangfu had politely rejected his offer, refusing to succumb to his veiled threats. The prospect of losing access to the ancient pill recipe and the Forest Clan's valuable arts filled him with anger and frustration.

Willing to trade? As long as some other powers become interested in the ancient recipe, how much would they have to spend to put their hands on it?

His eyes glowed with a golden light, and the oppressive aura of a Spirit Gate cultivator pressed down upon the assembled crowd. The air crackled with power, the sheer strength of his presence far exceeding that of Unbending Bear.

Lin Huangfu and the others shivered involuntarily, the difference between the two Spirit Gate cultivators as vast as the chasm between heaven and earth. Sunflower Spear was rumored to be on the verge of reaching the middle stage of the Spirit Gate Realm, a level of power that few in the Cloud Province could match.

With the Forest Clan's refusal, Sunflower Spear decided to take matters into his own hands. He discreetly sent out his spiritual consciousness, weaving a web of influence that ensnared the minds of Yin Niu, Bai Wen, and Peng Cai. He would crush the Forest Clan and claim their treasures, regardless of the consequences.

Yin Niu, Bai Wen, and Peng Cai, their initial surprise giving way to a sense of opportunistic greed, rejoiced at Sunflower Spear's decision. With the Forest Clan's defiance and the Sunflower Pavilion's might on their side, victory seemed assured. They would divide the spoils amongst themselves, each claiming a share of the Forest Clan's resources and power.

"Daoist Sunflower," Yun Jie interjected, his voice sharp and unwavering as he stepped forward to confront the Sunflower Spear. "What is the meaning of this?"

Even the other leaders, despite their own agendas and rivalries, found Sunflower Spear's sudden hostility towards the Forest Clan perplexing.

"Is the Cloud Clan intent on obstructing my path once more?" Sunflower Spear bellowed, his voice filled with righteous indignation. "Come to think of it, your clan did not participate in the events at the Vagrant Woods, did they? Could it be that you conspired with the Forest Clan all along?"

"How dare you!" Yun Jie roared, his eyes flashing with fury. "Is this how you intend to play this game? Fabricating lies and baseless accusations to justify your aggression?"

"Hmph," Sunflower Spear scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Last time, you had the backing of the White Clan and your father. But today, without their support and the presence of your precious daughter, I have no qualms about reducing your entire clan to ashes."

"Big words!" a new voice declared, its power and authority silencing the escalating confrontation. A graceful presence walked in, wearing beautiful blue robes, "Since when did you grow so bold as to threaten people from my Bluecloud City openly like this? Does your Sunflower Pavilion not care about my City Lord's Mansion at all?"

Sunflower Spear's eyes widened in recognition as he beheld the newcomer. "Bluecloud City Lord, Xiong Zihao!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with a mixture of surprise and apprehension.

The City Lord of Bluecloud City was a legendary figure, renowned for his strength, wisdom, and political acumen. Even before ascending to his current position, he had been a powerful and respected cultivator, his reputation preceding him wherever he went. The City Lord's Mansion's ability to maintain its authority and influence amidst the four powerful clans of Bluecloud City was mostly due to his prowess and shrewdness.

Peng Cai, Unbending Bear, Yin Niu, Yun Jie, Lin Huangfu, and the others bowed in respect, their voices echoing in unison. "We greet the City Lord!"

Below the Overlord and the Royal Family, within Bluecloud's sphere of influence, no one held more prestige and power than Xiong Zihao. Even the arrogant Sunflower Spear could only act as a junior in his presence.

The Forest Clan members exchanged bewildered glances, their minds reeling from the unexpected turn of events. Why were these bigshots, each capable of shaking the heavens with their might, coming for the Forest Clan?

"City Lord, to what do we owe the honor of your presence in Redwater Town?" Peng Cai inquired, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Although both he and Xiong Zihao held the title of City Lord, their statuses were as different as night and day. Peng Cai was a mere Spirit Sea cultivator, while Xiong Zihao had reached the middle stage of the Spirit Gate Realm many years ago, his power and influence far exceeding that of his Redwater counterpart.

"It appears matters have spiraled out of control here," Xiong Zihao replied, his voice calm and authoritative. "I felt it necessary to intervene before further mistakes were made and innocent lives were lost." He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled cultivators. "My City Lord's Mansion has conducted a thorough investigation into the events that transpired within the Vagrant Woods. The Forest Clan, contrary to the accusations levied against them, performed a commendable service for the Cloud Province. I have already submitted a report to the Royal Palace, detailing their heroic actions and the treachery of those who sought to exploit the situation for their own gain."

Silence descended upon the clearing as the weight of Xiong Zihao's words sank in. The City Lord of Bluecloud City, a figure of immense power and authority, had not only exonerated the Forest Clan but had also exposed the deceitful schemes of their accusers.

Peng Cai, Yin Niu, and Bai Wen exchanged looks of consternation and dismay. Their carefully constructed narrative had crumbled, their plans to seize the Forest Clan's resources and power foiled by the unexpected intervention of Xiong Zihao and the Cloud Clan.

'Dammit! How could this be? Why did this bastard do such a thing? Is he not interested in taking the arts? What is he scheming!' Every major power was thinking these thoughts. If, before coming here, they were already interested in the arts, after seeing the new prowess of the Forest Clan they were willing to do even more to get their hands on their arts.

"This is Redwater Town, not your Bluecloud City, City Lord," Sunflower Spear retorted, his voice laced with a hint of defiance despite the evident shift in power. "I must insist that you refrain from interfering in matters beyond your jurisdiction. The Forest Clan will answer for their alleged crimes before the Overlord, as is their duty. What do you mean by bringing the Royal Family into this?"

Xiong Zihao smirked, "Wouldn't you know that?"

Sunflower Spear's face contorted with anger, his eyes narrowing into slits as he recognized the veiled accusation. Sunflower Spear was well aware of the Sunflower Pavilion's attempts to sway him to their side, their promises of power and influence falling on deaf ears. It was no secret that the City Lord of Bluecloud City had aligned himself with the First Prince, while the Second Prince, along with the Sunflower Pavilion and the Brave Clan, sought to undermine his authority and consolidate their own power. If not, how could this bastard try to foil his plans like this?

"Furthermore," Xiong Zihao continued, his voice ringing with authority, "I have an invitation to the talented members of the Forest Clan to join the prestigious Royal Academy. Would you dare take people from the Academy?" 

His words stunned the assembled cultivators. A recommendation to the Royal Academy? That was an honor bestowed upon only the most exceptional talents, a gateway to a future of power and prestige. Their gazes shifted towards Lin Qiang and Lin Dong, recognizing their potential and the threat they posed to their own ambitions.

While Lin Dong was already considered past his prime before, Lin Qiang was truly a talent to be sought after. How could the Royal Academy miss this opportunity?

Peng Cai, Yin Niu, and Bai Wen exchanged sullen glances, their expressions a mixture of envy and frustration. They had underestimated the Forest Clan, and their actions had inadvertently elevated their status and secured them powerful allies. If Lin Qiang and Lin Dong were to gain a foothold within the Royal Academy, their future prospects would be bleak, their influence and authority diminished.

Yet, with Xiong Zihao and the Cloud Clan standing firm, there was no way for them to achieve their goals through force. They had been outmaneuvered, their schemes exposed, and their power challenged.

A tense silence descended, the future uncertain as the various factions weighed their options and contemplated their next moves.

Suddenly, a cold and arrogant snort shattered the stillness.

"Hmph. Dare? Of course I dare."

A gaudy young man, adorned with extravagant robes and surrounded by a retinue of powerful cultivators, strode into the clearing, his arrival heralded by the ferocious roar of his spirit beast mount. The emblem emblazoned upon his waist was unmistakable: the symbol of the Brave Clan, the dominant force within the Cloud Province.

The Brave Clan entered the fray!