Chapter 307 The Millennium Bloodline Project
Chapter 307 The Millennium Bloodline Project
"I initially intended to control their leaders and, through them, the entire province," Joseph explained, his voice laced with frustration.
"But that's simply not feasible. The Sunshine Province has adhered to the emperor's decrees for centuries. No single faction or family has ever held absolute sway over the region. Even within its five counties, power is fragmented among countless noble families and competing sects. It's a constant game of shifting alliances and power struggles."
Ethan frowned as he listened to Joseph's report.
Cloudview County had been under the Azure Cloud Pavilion's influence for over a hundred thousand years.
Their cultivation techniques and traditions permeated every aspect of life in the region.
George's discovery of the Azure Cloud Pavilion's ancestral founder had allowed them to unite the county under a single banner.
Coupled with Michael's machinations and Stephen's strategic maneuvering, they had finally achieved a semblance of unity.
But the Sunshine Province was a different beast altogether.
With thousands of factions vying for power, controlling them all was an impossible dream.
Even if they managed to seize control temporarily, it wouldn't last.
Human nature was fickle.
It wouldn't be long before their newfound allies turned against them, betraying the Blackwoods for their own gain.
"Forebearer," Joseph said, his eyes shining with a newfound determination, "I request Great-grandfather Marcus's assistance. And I believe the descendants of Grandfather Jeffrey can play a crucial role in our endeavors."
Ethan studied Joseph's face, his gaze lingering on the boy's bright, intelligent eyes.
Suddenly, it all clicked into place.
The Sunshine Province lacked a unifying force like the Azure Cloud Pavilion, a lineage that had dominated Cloudview County for over 130,000 years.
So... why not create one?
They might not recognize the Azure Cloud Pavilion's legacy, but what if Jeffrey's descendants infiltrated the Sunshine Province's various sects and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming elders and even sect leaders?
In a few centuries, or even a millennium, who would question their claims of inheriting the Azure Cloud Pavilion's teachings?
A spark of madness flickered in Joseph's eyes.
"If we succeed," he whispered, his voice trembling with excitement, "we can absorb the entire Sunshine Province without firing a single shot!"
[Special Event - The Millennium Bloodline Project]
[Your descendant, Joseph, has devised a plan to gradually infiltrate the Sunshine Province's sects and clans with Blackwood descendants, ultimately transforming the entire region into a Blackwood stronghold!]
"A thousand-year plan..." Ethan murmured, awestruck by the sheer audacity of Joseph's vision.
Michael had spent centuries laying the groundwork for his ambitions.
Joseph was even more patient, willing to play the long game, his sights set on a goal that spanned generations.
[Proceed with your plan.]
Ethan granted his approval, sending a wave of elation through Joseph.
Meanwhile...
"Joseph's plan?"
In Glory City, Marcus, his appearance now that of a wise and seasoned cultivator, received the Forebearer's command.
Without hesitation, he gathered the remaining five thousand disciples of the Sky Sect and set off for the Sunshine Province.
Five thousand psychics soared through the night sky, their swords leaving trails of shimmering light in their wake.
Marcus, clutching his Sky Hall in one hand and his horsetail whisk in the other, led the charge, his black robes billowing in the wind.
"Today, the Sky Sect marches forth from Azure Cloud," he declared, his voice booming across the heavens.
"The Sunshine Province's fragmented lineages shall be unified under a single banner!" Continue reading stories on mvl
"Who shall be crowned the King of Leaders?"
"I shall be the King of Leaders!"
Tonight, Marcus's eyes burned with the same intensity as the full moon above, their ambition illuminating the path ahead.
He envisioned a future where his gaze, like the rising sun, would command respect and inspire awe.
And when that day came, woe betide anyone who dared to harm his father or threaten the Blackwood clan!
As if sensing his resolve, the Sky Hall in his hand pulsed with a surge of power.
[Your descendant, Marcus, has been plagued by guilt and self-doubt ever since his master's disappearance. He blames himself for Wesley Daoist's betrayal, for his inability to protect his family during the Druid invasion, and for his struggles to break through to the Competent Force stage despite mastering every cultivation technique Cloudview County has to offer.]
[Now, with his father, Lucas, gravely wounded, his anger and desire for power have reached a boiling point. He understands that only overwhelming strength can overcome his obstacles and avenge his father. He has carried the Sky Hall for years, but its spirit has been angered by his repeated attempts to break it apart and distribute its fragments to his younger relatives.
It has refused to acknowledge him as its true master. But today, it has finally sensed his unwavering determination and has helped him overcome his inner demons!]
[Acquired Trait: Heavenly Detachment]
[The Sky Hall has acknowledged you as its master, revealing its true potential. It can absorb and store countless natural treasures, shielding your mind from harm. Your descendant, Marcus, is now 99% less likely to be affected by inner demons. With the Sky Hall's aid, his comprehension of the laws of the universe through natural treasures has increased by 30%.]
[Your descendant, Marcus, is approaching his seventh-nine thunder tribulation. He has suppressed his cultivation, refusing to ascend until he can face the legendary nine-nine thunder tribulation!]
"Good boy," Ethan whispered, a proud smile spreading across his face.
Of all his third-generation descendants, Marcus had always been the one he worried about the most.
The boy was kind, intelligent, and fiercely loyal, but he was also prone to overthinking and self-blame.
When Lucas and Karen separated, Marcus had felt like a traitor, torn between his parents.
During his time at the Sky Sect, he had constantly strived to prove his worth to his family, fearing he wasn't doing enough.
After Boar Monarch Pete's death, Marcus had spiraled into a deep depression, drowning his sorrows in alcohol and blaming himself for the tragedy.
When the Druids invaded, and Warren Daoist disappeared after traveling to the imperial capital to expose Michael, Marcus had convinced himself that he was somehow responsible for his master's fate.
Layer upon layer of self-doubt had buried Marcus's true potential.
But now, he had finally broken free from his inner demons.
"This is how a Blackwood should be," Ethan thought, his heart swelling with pride.
"Even if Lucas had to suffer a few more injuries, it was worth it to see Marcus finally embrace his true strength."
Back in the Iron Forest Horse infirmary, Lucas woke with a start.
"Achoo!"
Diana, her brows furrowed in annoyance, kicked him off the Heavenly Rejuvenation Jade Bed with a swift flick of her leg.
"..."
Lucas landed on the floor with a thud, blinking in confusion.
He had no idea why he had sneezed, considering his cultivation level, but he wasn't about to argue with Diana.
He simply rolled over and went back to sleep.
Amelia, hearing the commotion, rushed into the room and scooped Lucas back onto the bed, scolding her master.
"Master, why did you kick my brother off the bed again? It's big enough for both of them. They're both old and injured, practically half-dead. Why are you still clinging to these outdated notions of propriety?"
Diana: "..."
Lucas: "..."