Clan Building System: I'm not the Protagonist?! - Chapter 333

Chapter 333: deny
Fang Yuan’s gaze swept across the hall once more as the flicker of flame in his eyes dimmed to a steady glow as he read the emotions written across each elders face.

His words had reached them, that much was certain.

“I intend to change that,” he said finally, his tone soft but firm. “But it cannot be done by me alone. It will require the combined efforts of everyone present here, Fang and Lin alike.”

The hall was still for a heartbeat. Then, the Lin Matriarch rose gracefully from her seat. Her violet robes shimmered faintly under the lantern light as she bowed deeply.

“Clan Head Fang,” she said solemnly, “the Lin family, in its entirety, is willing to do whatever you ask of us.. Our loyalty is yours.”

A murmur of agreement spread among several Lin elders but not all. Fang Yuan’s gaze shifted toward the few who exchanged uneasy glances and stiffened backs.

He nodded once toward the Matriarch, his tone measured. “Then allow me to speak plainly. I intend for the Fang and Lin families to become one.”

The silence that followed was sharp enough to cut air.

“What?” one of the Lin elders blurted out, unable to restrain himself.

Another rose halfway from his seat, his voice quivering with restrained anger. “To erase the Lin name? To abandon the roots of our ancestors? Impossible!”

A chorus of discontent rose among a few of the Lin elders, their eyes flashing with pride and disbelief.

Fang Yuan said nothing. He merely folded his hands behind his back and waited.

The Lin Matriarch’s expression darkened like a storm brewing. She slammed her palm against the table, the sharp crack silencing the hall.

“Enough!” she snapped, her voice echoing like thunder. “Have you all forgotten how the main branch died down? The Lin name would have perished were it not for Clan Head Fang’s mercy!”

“Matriarch!” one of the defiant elders rose, his face red with indignation. “You would have us kneel to outsiders? Our ancestors—”

“Your ancestors,” she cut in sharply, “would curse you for your ingratitude! Pride without strength is arrogance!”

The elder faltered, shame flickering across his features, but others still muttered in low defiance.

When silence returned, the Matriarch turned back toward Fang Yuan and bowed deeply.

“Clan Head Fang, please forgive their insolence but if you would be kind enough to give us a few days to discuss, we would really appreciate it.”

Fang Yuan regarded her quietly for a long moment, then exhaled slowly and shook his head.

“There is nothing to forgive,” he said, his tone light but unreadable. “Roots run deep. Even I would not wish to sever them carelessly.”

He let a hint of disappointment color his words, though inside, a quiet glint of calculation flashed through his mind.

“Very well,” he continued, voice softening. “If the Lin family is not yet ready, then I will not force the merger.”

His gaze swept over both sides of the hall, calm and resolute. “For now, let us act as one in purpose, if not in name. When the time comes, strength will decide the rest.”

The elders of both clans lowered their heads, some in relief, others in newfound respect.

In Fang Yuan’s mind, a faint laughed echoed through his thoughts.

Well, I still have that ‘quest’ about the Lin family to complete, he mused, hiding the flicker of amusement behind a calm expression. This is for the better, definitely don’t need to rush it.

Just as the tension in the hall began to settle, the doors opened once more.

Fang Jingyi returned, her composure elegant as ever, and beside her walked Du Juan.

Her presence was serene, yet every step she took seemed to press faintly against the air itself, an invisible weight that made even the more seasoned elders instinctively straighten in their seats.

Fang Yuan’s gaze softened slightly as he turned his attention to them.

“Allow me to introduce someone important,” he said, his tone carrying quiet authority. “This here is going to be the protector of our two clans, Du Juan.”

He paused, letting the title hang in the air long enough for its meaning to settle.

“As for her cultivation,” Fang Yuan continued, his voice calm but deliberate, “she stands firmly in the Nascent Soul Realm. And from what I can tell, it’s only a matter of time before she reaches its peak.”

A sharp intake of breath rippled through the Lin elders.

Even among the great sects, a Nascent Soul cultivator was a figure to be treated with deference, if not outright fear.

The Fang elders, who already knew her, exchanged knowing glances, their pride quietly rekindled.

But among the Lin delegation, unease flickered behind composed faces. Some frowned slightly, others shifted uncomfortably.

A few could not help but wonder—Was this the Fang Clan’s subtle display of power?

Fang Yuan caught those looks. And for the briefest moment, his lips curved in silent amusement.

So easily shaken, he thought.

Du Juan bowed gracefully, her voice warm yet dignified. “I hope you all will treat me well.”

Her words were humble, but the spiritual pressure that accompanied her every movement spoke otherwise, as if a reminder that her courtesy was a choice, not a necessity.

Fang Yuan smiled faintly and gestured toward her.

“Lady Du Juan, if you would,” he said, his tone courteous, almost teasing, “perhaps a few words from you?”

For a heartbeat, Du Juan’s gaze met his.

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, a faint shimmer of telepathic intent passed between them, a silent exchange that no one else could detect.

Du Juan nodded subtly, then turned to face the assembly.

“First,” she began, her voice gentle but clear, “I wish to thank the Clan Head and his wife for giving me and my sister a place we can call home.”

will be much must learn in the years ahead. I humbly ask that you elders, of both the Fang and Lin, help guide her when the time comes.”