Loyalty

Lian and Riria walked side by side, stepping out of the small world within the griffin's nest. Both griffins and humans had gathered there, waiting for Lian's departure. Riria's face was radiant, reflecting the happiness that emanated from her. Everyone around could sense that something special had happened to her.

The air was filled with an aura of expectation. The group, already small, had been further reduced after the intense battle they had faced. Together, they counted fewer than 100 cultivators, each carrying the marks and scars of the fights they had endured.

As Lian and Riria approached the crowd and he took a seat on a throne, determination gleamed in the eyes of everyone present.

Quickly, everyone knelt down, with Artemis, Saya, and Anri at the forefront. Seven Dark Elves stood nearby as well. Artemis, with her serious and determined gaze, took the lead. She expressed the gratitude coming from all the cultivators present.

Then she raised her head, looking at Lian with humility. Her voice resonated in the air, clear and firm, as she spoke again.

"After conversing with all the survivors of our clan, we have reached a consensus. We have decided to completely dissolve the Enchant clan."

"We must completely cleanse the Karma we have generated over all these years. We have lost almost all of our strongest cultivators. We would have to fight with all our might just to survive within the forest," Artemis continued, her voice remaining steady.

She had heard from Riria and others that Lian led the entire Albedo clan. She and Anri deeply recognized Lian's strength and wisdom. With his leadership, the future would always be limitless.

With a humble gesture, Artemis bowed even deeper, showing respect and submission. "That is why I am here to offer my loyalty and submission. I wish to join you and your clan as your subordinate."

Anri also bowed slightly, demonstrating his respect. "I and all the Dark Elves also wish to repay your generosity with our loyalty. We recognize that by your side, we can restore sanity to our corrupted brethren and unite once more. We swear to be wholly loyal to you and your leadership."

Saya, with a firm determination on her face, directed her gaze of admiration toward Lian. In a gesture of profound submission, she bowed deeply, accompanied by the griffins surrounding her. With a clear and sincere voice, Saya spoke her words of devotion.

"My Sovereign, leader of the Albedo clan, we, the griffins, acknowledge your greatness and courage. We are ready and willing to follow each and every one of your commands. We will be your oxen and your horses, ready to fight and even die in your defense without hesitation."

Saya's gaze met Lian's, conveying her unwavering devotion and loyalty. All the griffins present, united in their purpose, echoed Saya's words with fervor and determination.

Lian sighed deeply. His initial intention was to cultivate quickly and enter the Divine Plane. Forming only a small group of youths was a personal whim. Helping those who wished to become strong was his way of changing his past actions and seeking better outcomes. However, now an even larger group yearned to stay by his side.

"I acknowledge your aspiration to join the Albedo clan, but I must make it clear that my stay in this Mortal Plane will be brief. I will soon depart for a distant place, and I will not take many with me. If you wish to join the Albedo clan, you are free to do so, but following me directly requires more than mere loyalty," Lian spoke calmly.

As Lian's words echoed in the air, a collective sigh of relief swept through the group. Everyone present paid attention, absorbing each word with renewed hope.

Saya, in particular, displayed unwavering determination in her eyes as she clenched her fists tightly. The young Griffin princess exuded an aura of pure happiness and ecstasy. Every fiber of her being was filled with this intense emotion, transforming her into a radiant and resplendent creature.

After a full day, the group led by Lian left the nest, with Lian collecting the materials and runes from the formation, intended to strengthen the defenses of the Albedo clan. After another day of walking, they reached the territory of the Enchant clan, where young cultivators and people with low cultivation levels awaited their return. Artemis quickly gathered everyone and communicated the future of the clan, offering freedom to those who wished to follow Lian with unwavering loyalty while ensuring protection for those who chose to forge their own paths outside the forest.

The group of 12 Dark Elves, previously enslaved, still remained there, bound by Lian. However, with the newly developed power from the divine tree, the black Qi in their bodies had been balanced, and they now joined Anri, finding new purpose and freedom alongside Lian.

---

Lian had initially planned to leave for training in the forest for a few weeks, but to everyone's surprise, his absence extended for months, causing great concern for his mother and the entire clan. The anxiety was palpable as they awaited his return.

When Lian finally came back, the commotion was immense, especially for the large group accompanying him. From the outside, the Albedo clan didn't seem extraordinary at all, just a small clan inhabiting a remote region.

However, as they crossed the illusory formation protecting the clan, the impact on the Qi in their bodies was intense. The air around them was heavy and saturated with energy, emanating an intense majesty and power, despite the simple appearance of the buildings. It was evident that there was something grand and hidden behind the modest facade of the Albedo clan.

As everyone gathered, the astonishment only grew. The young cultivators displayed a dense aura and radiated immense power both in their intentions and their bodies. It was clear that they had undergone intense training and had significantly strengthened themselves.

For the clan's protection, there were fifty older cultivators whose power and cultivation level were not inferior to the advisors of the former Enchant clan. The impact of this revelation was overwhelming for the newcomers, who could barely comprehend the magnitude and strength of the Albedo clan.

Lemir, who had been taking care of the clan, had been experiencing severe headaches recently. All the treasures and wealth of the clan had been used weeks ago to strengthen the protective barrier. Furthermore, Lian's absence increased the pressure on his shoulders as he was a central figure for the clan, and his absence was deeply felt.

When Lian returned accompanied by a large number of people and even powerful Divine Beasts like the Griffins, he felt great concern. However, his concern dissipated when Lian headed to the clan's vaults and poured an unimaginable amount of demon beast corpses and terrifying cores. It was a treasure that exceeded a hundred times everything the clan had accumulated throughout its existence.

With time, tranquility prevailed. With that, the time to depart for the Capital approached little by little.