Clan Building System: I'm not the Protagonist?!-Chapter 344- Updated*

Zhao Lusi let out a slow, weary sigh.

"Qin Huang," she said flatly, "I won’t make a move as long as you behave."

Qin Shi Huang smiled, folding his hands behind his back as if strolling through his own courtyard.

"I plan to," he replied lightly. "Although..." His gaze slid sideways. "That old coot next to you might be the one who makes the first move."

All eyes turned and elder Hao lifted his head, startled for a heartbeat, before smoothing his expression. He stepped forward slightly and cupped his fists.

"You jest, Sect Leader Qin," he said with practiced humility. "I am but a humble elder. Unlike some people, I am not foolish enough to offend the Sect Leader of one of the Great Nine Heavens."

The words landed heavily in the hall and disdain rippled through the Flying Crane elders.

Some clenched their fists while others frowned deeply.

A few looked away in open contempt.

To lower oneself so blatantly in front of an outsider was shameful.

But Qin Shi Huang was delighted as a broad smile spread across his face, eyes gleaming with unmistakable pleasure.

"Well said," he laughed. "It’s rare to meet someone who understands their place so clearly."

He even nodded approvingly at Elder Hao, as if granting a reward.

The contrast was stark.

Where the Flying Crane Sect felt humiliation burn in their chests, Qin Shi Huang basked in it like sunlight.

Zu Xian, who had remained silent until now, slowly shook her head and she stepped forward. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Her movements were calm and unhurried, yet every step drew attention.

The red of her robes stood out sharply amid the pale colors of the hall.

She stopped at the center and bowed first.

"Sect Leader," she said respectfully, lowering herself in a proper salute.

Then she turned slightly and moved down the line of elders.

"To Elder Zhao."

A bow.

"To Elder Wei."

Another bow.

"To Elder Qiu."

Yet another, precise and flawless.

Each greeting was delivered with proper courtesy, her manner composed and dignified that no one could fault her etiquette.

Finally, she reached the end.

Qin Shi Huang.

She did not turn to face him, she simply inclined her head slightly in his direction and said, "Sect Leader Qin."

That was all and soon a breathless silence followed.

Several elders stiffened as if struck.

"How insolent!"

"She dares greet Sect Leader Qin without bowing?"

"Such disrespect!"

Reprimands rang out one after another, sharp and loud, as if eager to prove their righteousness.

Qin Shi Huang, however, showed no offense at all.

On the contrary, the corners of his lips lifted faintly. His eyes gleamed with amusement, as though he had just witnessed something mildly entertaining.

Behind Zhao Lusi, Fang Yuan sighed inwardly.

Hypocrisy.

If one bowed to Qin Shi Huang, it was called disgrace.

If one did not, it was labeled disrespect.

Yet none of these elders dared step forward themselves.

Instead, they hid behind words, judging a junior who had at least dared to stand straight.

Zhao Lusi suddenly turned her head slightly and spoke, voice casual.

"So," she asked, "what do you think? Are my sect elders better... or your clan?"

Fang Yuan blinked, caught off guard.

He answered instinctively, without thinking.

"Of course my family elders," he said. "Tsk. They’d rather die than bow."

The moment the words left his mouth, Zhao Lusi giggled.

A soft, delighted sound.

"I’ll reward you for that answer," she whispered.

Fang Yuan stopped in confusion.

Reward? Why—

Then he realised the hall was suddenly silent.

Meanwhile every elder’s face had stiffened, pale and some were even burning with restrained fury staring daggers at him.

Slowly, Fang Yuan realized what had happened, everyone had somehow heard him.

Zhao Lusi smiled sweetly.

"Oh," she added helpfully, "I transmitted your voice to everyone here. You don’t need to thank me."

Fang Yuan stared at her.

Then he lifted a hand, pinched the bridge of his nose, and let out a long, helpless sigh.

Across the hall—

Qin Shi Huang burst out laughing.

"Hahahaha! Excellent! Truly excellent!" he said, eyes gleaming. "What a refreshing junior!"

The Flying Crane elders, meanwhile, sat frozen in place, faces alternating between shock, anger, and deep embarrassment.

Zhao Lusi on the other hand, her smile only widened.

Fang Yuan straightened and looked calmly across the hall, his gaze sweeping over the elders one by one.

"What?" he said plainly. "What are you all staring at me for?"

The hall stiffened.

"I didn’t say anything wrong."

Zhao Lusi blinked, momentarily taken aback by his sudden boldness.

Fang Yuan did not stop.

"If you’re brave enough," he continued evenly, "why don’t you stand up for yourselves instead of hiding behind etiquette and juniors? If bowing is shameful, then don’t bow. If it isn’t, then don’t pretend otherwise."

A few elders flushed. Others looked away.

Then Fang Yuan’s tone softened abruptly.

He turned his head, took two steps back, and positioned himself neatly behind Zhao Lusi’s shoulder.

He leaned out just enough to peek at the elders again and smiled sweetly.

"...Right, Master?" he asked innocently. "Did I do that right?"

For half a breath, the hall went completely silent.

Then Zhao Lusi burst out laughing.

She glanced sideways at Fang Yuan, eyes sharp with unmistakable amusement.

"So that’s your plan," she transmitted her voice to Fang Yuan. "Drag me down with you?"

Fang Yuan blinked, wearing the picture of innocence.

"I have no idea what you’re talking about," he said earnestly. "But Master, you don’t have to fight Senior Qin for me. You’re the best master I—"

The rest of his words vanished into nothingness.

Fang Yuan stopped as his mouth was still open, but not a sound came out.

He slowly lifted his gaze to Zhao Lusi.

She was smiling, a very gentle smile.

Fang Yuan closed his mouth, straightened up, and offered her a radiant, victorious smile of his own.

Zhao Lusi smiled fell and now she looked... mildly troubled.

Her disciple’s nonsense was clearly getting out of hand.

Yet, she had to admit it.

That move was wickedly neat.

She turned back toward the elders and the sect leader, her expression smoothing into something calm and apologetic.

"He’s only been with me for a single day," Zhao Lusi said lightly. "I haven’t taught him properly yet."

She dipped her head slightly.

"Please forgive him."

Several elders twitched at the corner of their eyes.