Chapter 217 Time
One day later, the representatives of the Golden Dragon Clan made their way back to their domain. The journey, though not long, felt heavy with unspoken tension.
Whispers and grumbling filled the air, echoing their collective frustration and disbelief.
Riley’s behavior during the gathering had stunned them all—it had been bold, defiant, and completely outside their expectations. To say they were caught off guard would be a gross understatement.
They did not even see him or his shadow.
"I can’t believe Riley had the audacity to act like that," one of the younger cultivators muttered, shaking his head. "He humiliated us in front of everyone."
"I’m excited to hear what the Patriarch will say when we report this," another chimed in, his tone tinged with anticipation. "He won’t let this go. No one disrespects the Golden Dragon Clan and walks away unscathed."
"I hope we retaliate," someone else added, eyes gleaming with ambition. "We should take over the Austere Clan’s territory and make them kneel before us. That’ll teach them a lesson they’ll never forget."
"I agree," said another, puffing his chest out with pride. "Our clan has been too quiet for too long. People have clearly forgotten the might of the Golden Dragon Clan. It’s time we reminded them."
"Idiots, the lot of you," an older cultivator snapped, his voice cutting through the chatter like a blade. He turned his sharp gaze toward the younger ones, his expression a mixture of disappointment and frustration. "Are you seriously wishing for war? Do you even know what war means?"
The group fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in.
"War isn’t glorious. It’s not a game of pride or territory—it’s blood, loss, and suffering. Once it begins, it won’t stop just because you change your mind. Villages burn, families die, and there’s no honor in watching your comrades fall beside you. War should always be the last resort."