Clan Building System: I'm not the Protagonist?!-Chapter 35: New Elder.

As the murmur of excitement slowly faded, Fang Yuan’s expression grew colder, more composed.

His sharp gaze swept across the younger generation and then up toward the elders, pausing ever so briefly on the empty spots left behind by those who had been banished.

Since the banquet last night... too many seats had gone unfilled.

Too many voices silenced and it was not by battle, but by judgment.

Elders who had once stood proud beside the clan’s banner, now gone. Their names stripped from the records for siding with his uncle in that bitter internal fracture.

Was it the right choice?

Their loyalty to his uncle had been unwavering—right to the bitter end.

Not a single one of those elders had come to beg forgiveness, nor had they asked for a second chance.

It was as if they were determined not to follow him, no matter the cost.

Fang Yuan shook his head.

Now that he had the system, his golden finger, what he needed wasn’t empty legacy or sentiment.

He needed loyalty.

He’d rather nurture kindness and loyalty in those who might not shine brightest, but shine with a gentle warmth.

Rather than one who might have been an unparalleled genius but won’t hesitate to betray the family at the blink of an eye.

And in hindsight, what happened last night seemed less like a crisis and more like a blessing in disguise.

Fang Yuan’s stepped forward once more, his tone colder now—calm, but commanding.

"The Fang Clan suffered a loss last night," he said, voice clear and steady. "Not of buildings, nor wealth—but people."

A hush fell over the crowd. The older generation bowed their heads slightly. The younger ones looked uncertain. freewёbnoνel.com

"We lost guidance. We lost experience. And yet, we remain."

He let that truth hang in the air, then continued.

"In light of this shift, we will no longer rely on the old ways alone to determine your worth."

His eyes narrowed, and a sharp edge crept into his words.

"Starting today, we will implement a new system of merit and reward. Not based on favor. Not based on blood. Based on results."

Some of the elders exchanged glances. The younger ones straightened in nervous anticipation.

"There will be two categories. Those in the Qi Realisation Realm will compete among themselves. Those in the Qi Condensation Realm, the same."

"You will all be divided accordingly. And over the coming weeks, your efforts, your discipline, and your progress will be closely observed."

A few gasps rippled through the disciples. Even Fang Mei blinked, startled by the formal announcement.

Fang Yuan continued, face unreadable.

"At the end of each evaluation period, the top performers in both groups will be rewarded. Pill resources, manuals, and personal guidance will be made available to those who stand out."

"But do not misunderstand me, this is not favoritism."

His voice hardened now, like steel cooled in snow.

"This is a competition. And in this family, even those who lose will be rewarded. But those who excel... will be remembered."

A flicker of fire sparked in the eyes of some disciples. The weight of his words struck deep.

"And let me make one thing clear—’those who lose gets a reward’ is not an invitation to slack off. It is a statement of fairness, not weakness. Those who earn more will receive more. Those who push harder will rise higher."

He took a final step forward, the morning sun glinting off his dark robes.

"If you want to stand proudly before the other clans... If you want your name spoken with awe at the next Coldwind City Championship..."

Fang Yuan’s gaze burned through the crowd like a blade.

"Then we have to seize it."

Silence followed, heavy, tense, electric.

In that moment, every disciple felt the shift. The weight of responsibility. The chance for glory.

Just as Fang Yuan’s words settled into the courtyard like stone in still water, a small hand rose from among the younger disciples.

"Brother..." Fang Mei’s voice piped up, a little unsure. "Um... will there be no Qi Transformation category?"

Fang Yuan paused, his gaze drifting toward her with casual ease, until her words fully sank in.

"...Qi... what?"

He blinked. Slowly.

Then blinked again.

A rare flicker of genuine confusion crossed his otherwise stoic face.

"I figured I’d discuss that with the elders later," he said slowly. "Since... no one in your age group should even—"

His voice trailed off mid-sentence.

Silence stretched thin and awkward.

Fang Yuan stared at Fang Mei, eyes narrowing slightly, as if squinting would make her answer change.

Fang Mei looked away innocently, her fingers twisting at her sleeves.

She gave a soft nod, then mumbled, "I broke through two nights ago... I think."

The courtyard exploded.

"WHAT?!"

Fang Yuan practically choked on air.

"You’re already in Qi Transformation?!"

Fang Yuan stared.

Qi Transformation Realm, within the Fang Clan was more than just a breakthrough.

It was a threshold. A declaration that one had the strength and maturity to shoulder the weight of the family’s responsibilities.

Tradition held that reaching Qi Transformation qualified a cultivator to be considered for elder status.

He himself had stepped into that realm at seventeen... and became Clan Head shortly after.

Now, before him stood Fang Mei. Eighteen. Quiet, dutiful... and already standing where few her age even dreamed to reach.

A soft breath escaped him.

He remembered giving her the Bone Marrow Pill.

Remembered letting her cultivate uninterrupted for a week within the spirit pond, hoping to refine her foundation—not push her so far, so soon.

He should’ve expected this. But still, the excitement in his chest beat louder than reason could suppress.

Then, something clicked.

"Fang Mei," he said suddenly, voice firm but touched with warmth. "Come here."

She blinked, startled by the sudden call but stepped forward, cheeks still pink from earlier.

The other disciples her age watched in stunned silence, their emotions a whirlwind of jealousy and admiration..

Fang Mei came to stand beside Fang Yuan, straight-backed despite her nervous fidgeting.

Fang Yuan turned to face the gathered crowd.

"You all saw it for yourselves," he said, voice ringing clear across the courtyard.

"One of your own rose to Qi Transformation."

He let the moment linger.

"Her talent is real. Her effort even more so."

Then he raised a hand, gesturing broadly to the younger generation.

"As of today, each of you will be given one day to cultivate within the Spirit Pond."

The courtyard rippled with stunned gasps and wide eyes.

"That opportunity is not a gift," Fang Yuan continued, "but a test. Make the most of it, and your wings will soar."

He looked at Fang Mei then, pride gleaming beneath his steady composure.

"And now—greet your new elder."

A stunned silence held for half a heartbeat.

Then it broke.

One by one, disciples began to bow. Some slowly, others more deeply, hesitant at first, but sincere.

"Greetings, Elder Fang Mei."

Fang Mei blinked, utterly overwhelmed.

Her hands fluttered once like she might wave it off, but then she lowered her head and whispered, "I-I’ll do my best..."

Fang Yuan’s lips quirked into a rare, quiet smile.

She was a little awkward. A little soft.

But she had earned the title.

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