Chapter Eighteen: The Position of Patriarch

The disciples of the Chen family stared, dumbfounded, at the scene before them. Was Chen Wuhen defeated? Sensing the multitude of gazes beneath the stage, Chen Wuhen felt unwilling, yet having been thrown off the platform, what else could he do?

The Chen family disciples were utterly silent, while the crowd erupted in cheers and shouts. It had been a spectacular duel, and Chen Mu’s techniques were nothing short of uncanny.

In a teahouse nearby, Chen Haoran and his second brother Chen Quan were leisurely enjoying their tea. As the contest between Chen Mu and Chen Wuhen concluded, Chen Quan’s expression twitched as he said, “Haoran, you truly are one step ahead. I can’t believe Chen Mu actually won.”

Chen Haoran was a bit dazed himself, murmuring, “What technique did Mu’er use? He seemed unfamiliar with the sword, so it can’t be swordsmanship. Does Starwatch Valley have such techniques? It seems Brother Gu must have invested much effort in Chuan’er...”

Snapping out of his reverie, Chen Haoran spoke again. “He is my son. If he doesn’t win, who will? And don’t underestimate Mu’er—though you, Second Uncle, know he’s not my blood, his origins are shrouded in mystery and beyond our guessing.”

“Oh? What origins? Just what happened during your travels back then?”

Chen Haoran merely waved his hand, refusing to say more.

Chen Quan's mood shifted uncertainly, and inwardly he sneered, “Such mysterious airs.”

Chen Wuhen, dejected, was helped away by Chen family disciples. The remaining duels were lackluster, and Ye Wangchuan, having put away his Blackgold Sword, did not take the stage again.

After the tournament ended, the stewards from the various major sects seated in the distinguished guests’ section came to the center of the platform to recruit disciples. Ah Xiu joined a sect named Fenghua Mountain.

Most sects sent stewards in the late or perfected Yuanji realm, but this time, Biluodao Gate sent a perfected Yuandan realm elder.

This elder, surnamed Han and named Han Ruyi, was slightly plump and his face gleamed with oil, clearly accustomed to a comfortable life.

At that moment, Han Ruyi gazed coldly at Chen Mu below the stage. Chen Mu’s defeat of Chen Wuhen had wounded his pride, and by extension, that of Biluodao Gate. How could he not harbor resentment toward Chen Mu?

Fortunately, City Lord Yan Jingtian was ever watchful, reminding him not to act rashly. Otherwise, Han Ruyi would surely make Chen Mu suffer. After all, Yan Jingtian was the city lord, a man of Daxia, and could not be offended.

Drawing back his gaze, Han Ruyi called out loudly toward the teahouse, “Is Chen Haoran, patriarch of the Chen family, present? If so, come forth for a meeting.”

Chen Haoran emerged from the teahouse, appearing on the platform as if by shifting shadows. Chen Quan followed close behind, but no one noticed the strange smile on Elder Chen Quan’s face.

Chen Haoran clasped his hands and said, “Daoist Han, may I ask your purpose in seeking me?”

“Patriarch Chen, let’s speak plainly. I came to Fancheng for two reasons: first, to see if there are any promising youths to recruit into Biluodao Gate. Second, by order of your son’s master, Vice Gate Lord Gu Daoyan of Biluodao Gate, I am here to announce that Young Master Chen Wuhen, whose talent is unparalleled, has been chosen as a disciple by Vice Gate Lord Gu. His future is limitless. The position of family head should be occupied by the capable. Biluodao Gate does not intend to force you out, and you, Chen Haoran, remain the patriarch. But the next family head must be Young Master Chen Wuhen.” Han Ruyi spoke to Chen Haoran without the slightest courtesy.

These words caused an uproar among the crowd, who began whispering fervently.

Chen Haoran's face grew dark. He glanced at Chen Quan behind him and realized that the Elder of the Chen family—his own second uncle—had colluded with Biluodao Gate to seize the position of the next family head, paving the way for the elder’s lineage to become the leaders of the Chen family.

“Daoist Han, who becomes the Chen family’s head is an internal matter. Biluodao Gate is, after all, an outsider. Is it not inappropriate for you to interfere?” Chen Haoran was not intimidated by Han Ruyi’s attempt to use Biluodao Gate’s authority as leverage.

At that moment, Chen Quan spoke up from behind. “Haoran, Elder Han’s words are not without reason. The position of family head should go to the capable. Now that Wuhen has been accepted as a disciple by Vice Gate Lord Gu of Biluodao Gate, the foremost sect in Daxia, doesn’t this draw our family closer to Biluodao Gate? Young Master Chen Feng’s talent is commendable, but he is merely a core disciple of Qingyun Mountain Sect. His prospects can’t compare.”

“So a man’s prospects are solely determined by his sect? What truly determines the future is strength! Your grandson couldn’t defeat my eldest son, and now he can’t even beat my younger son! What right does he have to claim the position of family head?”

“You!” Chen Quan was rendered speechless by Chen Haoran’s retort, his face reddening in frustration.

After a moment, a thought struck him, and he spoke again, “Everyone, let me reveal a shocking secret of the Chen family! The second young master you all know is not Chen Haoran’s biological son at all, but a child he picked up from outside! How can such a bastard, not of Chen blood, be compared to our family’s own?”

“Chen Quan! Hold your tongue!” Chen Haoran was shaken to his core, furious as he shouted.

The secret hidden within the Chen family for over a decade had finally been exposed.

“What? The sickly young master isn’t Chen Haoran’s own?”

“Heavens, is it true? So Young Master Chen Mu isn’t actually a Chen?”

“You still call him young master? Didn’t you hear? He’s a bastard, not a Chen.”

“Has the family head gone mad? He took in a sickly bastard as his own son and kept it from us all these years. So the sickly one is just an ordinary person after all.”

“…”

The voices of gossip rose and fell, piercing Chen Haoran’s heart with pain.

He trembled as he declared, “Chen Mu is my son. I raised him, taught him to read and write. Even without blood ties, he is still my son!”

Chen Mu sat on the ground, exhausted, ignoring the torrent of rumors. He gazed at his father, who seemed to have aged decades in an instant, and memories of his father’s care and affection flooded his mind.

Chen Quan paid no heed and continued, “Since Chen Mu is not one of us, how can he be compared to Wuhen? As for Young Master Chen Feng, yes, his cultivation is higher, but his talent is beneath Wuhen’s. In a few years, Wuhen will surely surpass him. The position of family head is destined for Wuhen.”

At that moment, Yan Jingtian suddenly interjected, “Who becomes the next Chen family head cannot be decided by mere words. I suggest the candidates compete among themselves; whoever has the greatest strength should assume the position. The family head should earn it through their own abilities, not by relying on outside forces. Wouldn’t you agree, Elder Han?”

Han Ruyi narrowed his eyes and asked, “Does City Lord Yan intend to side with Chen Haoran?”

Yan Jingtian replied bluntly, “Where I stand is my own affair, and even Biluodao Gate cannot dictate it.”

“Oh? And what if I insist?” Han Ruyi’s expression turned chilly.

“The Chen family are citizens of Daxia. You, a mountain lord within Daxia’s borders, dare attempt to interfere in our affairs? Are you rebelling against heaven? Should I take this as Biluodao Gate raising the banner of revolt?”

“You!” Han Ruyi quickly weighed the consequences and said, “My apologies, I misspoke.”

He could not touch Yan Jingtian, for to do so would be to challenge the authority of the Daxia Empire—a declaration of war. Though Biluodao Gate and the royal house of Daxia were comparable in strength, it was not wise to provoke the royal family lightly, especially given Daxia’s unknown reserves.

In truth, Biluodao Gate had long coveted the throne, but Daxia’s foundation remained strong, and for now, hostility could not be shown openly.

Likewise, the royal family of Daxia wished to rid themselves of Biluodao Gate, whose growing power threatened both their safety and authority. Thus, both sides endured in silent tension.

“And as for Elder Chen Quan’s earlier remarks, they are mistaken. Since the patriarch has acknowledged this son, he is naturally part of the Chen family. Blood matters little; so long as hearts are united, one is family.”

At this point, Han Ruyi knew it was impossible for Chen Wuhen to inherit the position. He clasped his hands and said, “Very well, let the youths compete for the family head position as they see fit. But I remain confident that Young Master Wuhen will ultimately triumph. With that, I shall return to the sect and report to the vice gate lord. Farewell.”

With that, Han Ruyi soared away in a flash.

Chen Quan was utterly stunned. The powerful ally he brought had departed, and all his schemes seemed to have collapsed. Yet not entirely—although Yan Jingtian had disrupted matters, it was agreed that the younger generation would compete for the position. He believed that with Biluodao Gate’s cultivation, Chen Wuhen would surely become the strongest, and so he ignored the chaos and left the scene.

Chen Mu looked at Chen Haoran and said, “Father, I have shamed you.”

Chen Haoran came to Chen Mu’s side and embraced him tightly. “Mu’er, it is I who am useless, letting you suffer such injustice.”