Clan Building System: I'm not the Protagonist?! - Chapter 289

289: 289- Losing something.

289: 289- Losing something.

Hearing Qin Qishi Shi’s acknowledgment, it appeared as if Zhuge’s excitement flared anew.

“Your Majesty, perhaps you intend to instead send a squad of elite death‑soldiers disguised as our generals, correct?” he asked, voice quick with eager confirmation.

Before Qin Qishi Shi could reply, Zhuge rushed on, words falling into eager murmurs.

“Brilliant… ah, what a brilliant move,” he breathed, eyes shining.

“First you would stage the spectacle, and then make it look as if our generals strode boldly into Fang territory.

Make sure the Azure Phoenix sees it, so they believe our command is exposed.

Then they’ll assume we lack our full strength…” “Those death‑soldiers you send into the barrier,” Zhuge said, eyes gleaming with grim satisfaction, “When they detonate in unison, the shock will not merely bruise flesh; it will tear at a Nascent‑Soul powerhouse.

Even someone at Fang Yuan’s height will feel the bite of a coordinated, full‑power blast.” Zhuge’s eyes sparkled as he continued, voice low but brimming with admiration.

“Truly, Your Majesty, your foresight is unmatched.

To weave the movements of our soldiers, the illusions for the Fang family, and the perception of the Azure Phoenix Kingdom into a single, seamless plan, it is the mark of a ruler whose mind touches the heights of the heavens themselves.

Every detail, every ripple of action… perfection.” Qin Qishi Shi lifted a hand, resting it lightly on his chin, his expression serene, almost imperious.

A faint smile curved his lips, elegant and calm.

Though he had no inkling of all the mechanics Zhuge imagined, he allowed the praise to flow, as he enjoyed the luxury of appearing measured, confident, and unshakable before his court.

On the Fang Family side, Fang Chen moved through the courtyard with measured steps, begrudgingly assisting those who had chosen to leave, flanked by a few elders who had decided to stay.

“Elder Sun,” Fang Chen called gently as he watched the next person.

The old man lifted his gaze, eyes shadowed with sorrow.

“I’m sorry, Elder Chen,” he murmured, voice trembling.

“My grandson… you remember him right.

He died in the Feng Clan attack.

My son and daughter-in-law are leaving, and I wish to spend my remaining days with them.” Fang Chen’s jaw tightened, but he forced a calm nod.

“I understand, Elder Sun,” he said quietly, his voice tinged with restraint.

“I’ll make sure your departure is noted properly.” Elder Sun gave a small, grateful nod, eyes misting.

“Thank you… for understanding, young one.” Fang Chen watched as the elder moved away, shoulders heavy with grief yet carrying a quiet dignity.

Around him, other elders followed suit, some with families, others alone, leaving the Fang Family estate piece by piece.

He turned slightly, taking a deep breath, steadying himself to continue overseeing.

Just then, a girl approached quietly, her steps careful yet deliberate.

“Elder Chen… hard at work again, I see,” she said, eyes scanning the courtyard.

“Do you… happen to know where the Clan Head might be?” Fang Chen looked up, raising a brow.

“And why would you be looking for him, Fang Ruì?” Fang Ruì hesitated for a brief moment, tilting her head slightly, hands folded loosely in front of her.

“Well… it’s just that… I heard the Qin Army… um, they’re, you know, sending a group over… and I thought… perhaps… it might be… wise to, ah… see what the Clan Head thinks about it?” Fang Chen’s lips twitched, a faint smile forming.

“Ah… I see.

Very well, I’ll tell him you’re looking for him.” Fang Ruì gave a subtle nod, a trace of relief crossing her face but then she quickly shook her head.

“No, no, Elder Chen… you’re already busy.

Just… tell me where to go, and I’ll go.” Fang Chen paused, then turned toward another elder.

“Fang Yin, would you take Little Ruì to the Clan Head?” Fang Yin glanced over, chewing slowly, then gave a casual nod.

“Yes, yes… sure.

Let’s go,” she said, motioning for Fang Ruì to follow.

Fang Ruì inclined her head politely and fell into step beside Fang Yin.

As they walked, Fang Yin casually grabbed another pair of chuan from a nearby tray and bit into one, chewing slowly.

She glanced back at Fang Ruì, offering her one with a raised brow.

Ruì shook her head gently.

“Ah… no, I’m okay, thank you.” Yin gave a faint nod, then took a bite of the second chuan herself and continued walking ahead.

Ruì’s gaze flicked toward the horizon, thoughtful, as if already calculating what the clan head might say about the incoming Qin soldiers.

Yin, on the other hand, she was chewing methodically, seemingly completely unbothered as her eyes scanned the estate with casual curiosity, occasionally letting out a soft hum as she walked.

Fang Rui’s voice finally broke the quiet.

“Elder Yin… what do you think about all this?

The clans leaving, the armies outside… it’s… unsettling.” Yin didn’t miss a beat, her eyes lighting up with an almost fervent intensity.

“Ah, little Ruì… don’t you worry yourself.

As long as Clan Head is here, you, me, everyone will be perfectly safe.

Absolutely safe.” Yin’s eyes sparkled, “Hah!

You don’t worry your pretty little head, Yin!

You’re going to be super, super, super safe, I promise!” She pointed a finger at her, “No need to listen to those silly whispers, no no!

The clan head is like a dragon wrapped in gold armor, he’ll squash anyone who dares even look at us funny!” Ruì blinked, “And… you really think so?” “Of course I do!

He’s amazing!

And if anyone says otherwise, they’re just jealous little ants!” Yin giggled, giving Ruì a playful nudge on the shoulder.

“You just stick with me and don’t worry about a single thing.” Ruì let out a small, relieved laugh, shaking her head at the ridiculous display, but inwardly feeling a spark of comfort.

The two soon arrived at the eastern chamber, the polished wooden floor echoing softly beneath their steps.

Fang Ruì raised a hand and knocked on the office door.

“Clan Head?” she called gently.

Silence answered them.

A few more firm knocks followed, but still no reply.

Fang Ruì exchanged a worried glance with Yin.

Just then, from nearby, a maid appeared, bowing politely.

“Elders,” she greeted, her voice quiet yet respectful.

“Clan Head is currently not here.

He… he just left.” Fang Ruì’s shoulders sank slightly, but before she could respond, the void shimmered, and with a subtle pop, Fang Yuan stepped through.

He paused, glancing coolly at the two women, his expression unreadable.

“Anything going on right now?” Fang Ruì stepped forward quickly, her tone edged with urgency.

“Ah… yes!

It’s the Qin Army.

They’re close by, moving fast.” From behind, Fang Yin added with a mischievous tilt of her head, “And… the Azure Phoenix Army is also here too.

Just… a little late, that’s all.” Fang Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly, but there was no panic in his expression.

He took a measured breath, processing the information, his hands resting lightly on the sides of his robes.

“There’s nothing to worry about,” he said, his voice low but firm, carrying that quiet authority that made even seasoned elders pause.

“What’s the situation with the Matriarch?

Is she showing any improvement?” Fang Ruì’s eyes widened, a flicker of relief crossing her face before it was replaced with urgency.

“Ah!

Yes… I-I came to tell you about that,” she stammered, stepping a little closer.

“She’s… she’s come to, but-there seems to be… an issue.

Elder Jingyi-she… she requested your presence immediately.” Fang Yuan’s eyes flickered for a brief moment and then without another word, he stepped forward, his form already dissolving into the void.

In a single heartbeat, the world blurred around him, and he reappeared in the western region of the estate, where his aunt Fang Jingyi was tending to Lin Zhaoyue.

Lin Zhaoyue sat propped on the bed, legs stretched out, still pale but conscious, her breaths steady yet faint.

Fang Yuan’s voice slipped out low and tense, weighted with genuine worry.

“What happened?” Fang Jingyi jolted at his sudden arrival, the bowl slipping from her hands and clattering against the floor.

“N–Nephew!” she gasped, clutching her chest before quickly turning to Lin Zhaoyue.

“I’m so sorry,” she murmured to her, then faced Fang Yuan and lowered her voice to a troubled whisper.

“There are… complications.

First-she’s lost her cultivation.

And second…” Her expression tightened with helplessness.

“…she’s lost her memories.”