Clan Building System: I'm not the Protagonist?!-Chapter 343- Updated*

A golden line of text flashed quietly before Fang Yuan’s eyes.

[ Talent Root Enhancement Shard is now ready to be used. ]

His eyes lit up the moment he saw the message.

Apparently, if he gathered enough of these shards, his talent root could probably advance to the next level.

At least, that was what he guessed from the name, since the system itself offered no explanation.

Elder Hao, standing nearby, noticed the sudden change in Fang Yuan’s expression.

Unable to see the system screen, he naturally misunderstood the cause.

His gaze followed Fang Yuan’s line of sight and landed squarely on his own disciple.

A cold snort escaped him.

"Elder Zhao," Elder Hao said with open disdain, "rein in your disciple. I will not have every toad lusting after swan meat."

His eyes flicked toward Fang Yuan, sharp and cutting.

"Control him."

Zhao Lusi’s smile vanished instantly.

She rounded on him, eyes blazing.

"You’re the real frog here, tsk tsk. Maybe look in a mirror before you start croaking about others—"

The hall doors suddenly swung open.

The words died on her tongue.

Zhao Lusi’s expression transformed in an instant, irritation melting away like snow under sunlight. A bright, impeccable smile bloomed across her face.

Inside, the elders filed in one after another, their presence heavy and imposing.

At the very front stood the two sect leaders. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Elder Hao was the first to step forward, his robes sweeping the floor as he entered the hall with his disciple at his side.

The girl in red followed silently, blindfold unmoving, posture straight and composed.

As Fang Yuan crossed the threshold behind Zhao Lusi, his gaze lifted instinctively.

Across the vast hall, another pair stood out.

Qin Shi Huang.

And beside him was none other than Fang Tian.

Their eyes meet and Fang Yuan saw the smirk on his face.

For a brief moment, the noise of the hall faded. The murmurs, the shifting robes, the subtle pressure of powerful cultivators all receded into the background.

Fang Yuan’s lips also curved into a faint smirk.

Zhao Lusi caught it at once, she leaned closer and lowered her voice.

"You know him?"

"Yes," Fang Yuan replied simply.

There was no other explanation that followed.

Soon, everyone had taken their places.

Zhao Lusi stepped forward first, completely unbothered by the atmosphere.

"So," she said lazily, "what’s the reason you called for me?"

Zhao Mei’s temple twitched and she nearly facepalmed.

This girl...

But as Sect Leader, she maintained her composure, her expression remaining perfectly neutral.

The elders, however, were far less restrained.

"Elder Zhao!"

"Show some respect in the presence of the Sect Leader!"

"How can you speak so casually in such a setting?"

The reprimands came one after another.

Zhao Lusi only smiled, utterly unconcerned.

Before Zhao Mei could respond, Qin Shi Huang laughed softly.

His gaze shifted toward Fang Yuan.

"Well, well," he said lightly, eyes glinting with amusement, "it seems even your brother has found his way up here."

The words landed like a stone and Fang Tian’s jaw tightened.

For a split second, resentment flickered in his eyes.

Then he exhaled slowly, forcing calm back into his expression.

"...I’m already better than him," he muttered under his breath.

Fang Yuan, meanwhile, felt a light poke against his arm and he turned his head.

Zu Xian stood beside him, her blindfold facing forward, her voice calm and curious.

"Are you related to that boy standing with Qin Shi Huang?"

Fang Yuan did not hesitate.

"I’ve severed ties with him," he replied flatly.

He inclined his head slightly, then stepped back, moving to stand behind Zhao Lusi once more.

Zhao Lusi folded her arms and tilted her head, eyes flicking toward Qin Shi Huang with unmistakable familiarity.

"What’s with the sudden arrival, Nan Hai?" she asked lazily. "And with a Qin-vitation at that?"

The emphasis on his surname was sharp enough to cut.

Qin Shi Huang burst into laughter, waving his hand as if it were nothing more than a harmless joke.

The elders of the Flying Crane Sect, however, were instantly enraged.

"How insolent!"

"To mock the Sect Leader of Soaring Dragon Sect’s so openly!"

"Are you intending to start a war between the two sects?"

Their voices rose in overlapping outrage while Zhao Mei merely rubbed her temple.

She had clearly reached the limits of her patience.

With a long sigh, she abandoned the pointless back and forth and shifted the topic entirely.

"Elder Zhao," she said, turning to Zhao Lusi, "I called you here to ask whether you would be willing to host Sect Leader Qin during his stay."

Zhao Lusi blinked once and then she shook her head politely with a smile.

"No, Sect Leader," she replied evenly. "Sect Leader Qin’s disciple and my disciple are mortal enemies."

Her eyes slid briefly toward Fang Yuan and Fang Tian. "And as for Sect Leader Qin and me... we’re enemies as well."

The hall went quiet.

Zhao Mei’s lips pressed into a thin line. She clearly disliked the answer, but after a brief pause, she nodded.

"Very well," she said. "If that is your stance, so be it."

She turned toward Qin Shi Huang.

"Sect Leader Qin, perhaps you would prefer to stay elsewhere. I cannot stop Elder Zhao Lusi if she decides to make a move this time."

Qin Shi Huang threw his head back and laughed loudly, completely unbothered.

"Hahaha! What a joke, Sect Leader Zhao," he said, eyes gleaming with amusement. "If even you, her own sister can’t stop her, do you really think she’d be standing there peacefully if she wanted to attack me?"

His gaze lingered on Zhao Lusi with open provocation.

Fang Yuan, standing behind his master, felt a jolt of surprise.

She can fight Qin Shi Huang? A sect leader?

In that instant, everything clicked.

This wasn’t just a meeting.

Zhao Mei had likely called Zhao Lusi here because she needed someone who could match Qin Shi Huang if things turned ugly.

This entire summon was a form of protection.

Fang Yuan’s lips curved faintly.

Even the Sect Leader needs my master’s protection...

For reasons he didn’t quite understand, a quiet sense of pride rose in his chest.