Days had passed, and not a single expert from ckwood had shown up, except for Marcus, who was the least skilled among those present.


    Still at the peak of Developing Skill and in the midst of bing a Pinnacle Apprentice, he represented the Sky Sect.


    Seeing everyone looking at him, Marcus simply closed his eyes, pretending not to see.


    His elders had advised him, "When you''re out and about, carry yourself as the head of the Sky Sect. If youe across an opportunity or face bullying, then reveal your ckwood affiliation."


    The Competent Force elders from various powers sighed quietly.


    They had long requested ckwood to take charge, but the ckwood folks were peculiar; they cared little for fame or honor.


    Recently, they even encountered Julian from ckwood.


    Julian had led a thousand AI Bionic Robots into a Druid tribe.


    The elders were thrilled and wanted to assist, hoping to discuss important matters with Julian.


    However, the burly bald man suddenly became defensive, blocking the psychic mine behind him and shouting, "This psychic mine is my discovery! Anyone who dares to steal it will face my wrath..."


    The five elders from Martin nced at Marcus, noticing hisck of enthusiasm.


    They exchanged smiles, confident in their superiority as representatives of the Duke''s Mansion.


    Now fighting for Cloudview County, they still considered themselves a cut above the rest.


    These Psychics had to listen to them! Even if Marcus spoke up, they could easily manipte such a young man.


    Just as one of the Martin elders was about to finalize their n with a smile, everyone''s expression changed as they looked towards the entrance of the hall.


    "Such powerful sword energy."


    Two figures approached, riding on swords, dressed in long robes like exiled Ability Masters.


    Their sword energy was fierce, and they stood proudly on their flying swords, overlooking the Competent Force elders with disdain.


    Marcus, who had been sitting cross-legged, brightened up and quickly stood to bow to the younger man with sharp eyebrows, "Father!"


    He then greeted the other, "Honored to meet you, Celestial Star."


    If Lucas''s sword energy was aggressively piercing, the Celestial Star Swordmaster''s was lofty.


    Dressed in a white robe, he crossed his arms, a handsome figure.


    Seeing Marcus greet him, he slightly smiled, "You are Lucas''s eldest son. You have a good aura, though it''s a pity you''re not a swordsman."


    He then looked away, ignoring everyone else.


    Lucas nodded slightly at Marcus, signaling him to sit down, and acknowledged the Competent Force elders who had greeted him.


    Finally, he turned to the five Martin elders with a calm voice, "Elders, I am here on my father''s orders to bring unfortunate news. Duke Michael has perished due to a mishap in his practice."


    "What?!"


    The Competent Force elders were shocked; they hadn''t even heard about Michael''s death.


    The Martin elders frowned; when they had left, Michael was no longer the head of the family, having left the resolution to Michael and Keh.


    Now, hearing this from Lucas, they suspected that ckwood might have been involved.


    But what could be done?


    "Martin and ckwood are rted by marriage, and I deeply regret this incident," Lucas continued, his voice the only one in the room.


    "Keh has been appointed the new Duke. On behalf of ckwood, I extend our congrattions, and a gift has been sent to the Duke''s Mansion. With that said, I leave the matter for you elders to consider."


    The five Martin elders lifted their heads, their expressions sour.


    What did they mean by appointing Keh as the new Duke? They had just learned of Michael''s death!


    What did he mean by ''consider it''? It was a tant threat.


    Lucas''s words were few, but they conveyed a clear message—if they disagreed, they might just join Michael sooner than expected!


    They looked around at the other Competent Force elders, their faces growing even grimmer, all while Marcus, still with his eyes closed, held a jagged, ck object in his left hand—the Sky Temple, spinning slowly.


    It was as if he was saying, with just one word from his father, he wouldunch the first strike to annihte the five Martin elders right there!


    "Hahaha, Your Excellency Sword King, you are too kind. The Johnson and ckwood families are rted by marriage; we are one and the same, no need to consider, no need at all."


    The Martin elder''s tone was amiable.


    Marcus retracted the Sky Temple back into his body, much to the disappointment of the other Competent Force elders who had been enjoying the show, leaving the Martin elders grinding their teeth in frustration.


    "That''s good to hear."


    Lucas didn''t say much more, ncing at the Celestial Star Swordsmen before the two turned their flying swords and left.


    As they reached the grand hall''s entrance, Lucas paused and called out without turning back, "By the way, esteemed elders, if my son Daniel causes any trouble, I hope you can bear with him."


    Arrogant and dismissive!


    Watching the two swordsmen depart, the Competent Force elders of Cloudview County could feel Lucas''s dominance.


    The Martin elders didn''t dare utter a word, as if Lucas had never been there.


    But everyone knew, Lucas''s visit was amand from ckwood, a deration of sovereignty.


    They were telling everyone that in this era, ckwood was in charge, and even the high and mighty Martins had to ept this reality.


    Now, Lucas and the Celestial Star Swordmaster were leaving the borders of Cloudview County, heading towards the Endless Forest.


    "Brother Lucas, during this visit, I fought alongside your sister Olivia against a Druid tribe. She helped me defeat a Competent Force high priest. I really want to thank her properly. Do you know where she might be? Could I see her?" The Celestial Star Swordmaster''s gaze darted around, his hands clenched behind him, slightly nervous.


    "Hmm?"


    Although Lucas was deeply focused on cultivating his psychic powers, he noticed the unusual tone and expression of the Celestial Star Swordmaster.


    His face darkened, "My sister''s whereabouts are unpredictable, even I don''t know where she is. This trip, you and I are to continue our battle, Brother Celestial Star. Best not let other matters distract you, otherwise, it wouldn''t be honorable for me to im victory if I injure you."


    With that, Lucas even snorted coldly.


    No wonder the Celestial Star Swordmaster had been lingering in Cloudview County, sticking around like a shadow.


    Damn! I treat you like a brother, and you want to be my brother-inw?