Conclusion (Bonus Chapter)

"A good man commits a crime by holding on to a treasure he is too weak to protect" This time, Yu Yan directly spoke his mind without avoiding the influence of the Clear Heart Mirror.

He didn't understand the full situation of the Yu Clan but even if they were more powerful than he knew, it was obvious that their enemies were equal or stronger.

After all, until now, they hadn't figured out how the accident that killed his predecessor was arranged. The only thing they knew was that it was not an accident.

He was confident in his system, but he needed time. Holding on to the Yu Mountain mineral mine would not allow him time.

The Yu Clan disciples felt a wave of disappointment the moment they heard his words. The others were determined to come up with a way to preserve clan assets but Yu Yan was willing to give it all away.

Instantly they wiped Yu Yan from the list of possibilities.

Outsiders and Clan disciples could not tell the result of the first three tests, but this one, everyone could hear and judge. Even the despicable Yu Wei was still good in their eyes after all, his cunning would benefit the clan. Those who were not talented enough to join big Sects and Academies saw no point in joining smaller powers equal to the clan. Of course, they were hopeful that the clan would progress. After all, even if they could not cultivate at all, they wouldn't be kicked out from home, would they?

The First Elder noticed the situation and he turned to look at the Yu Clan Patriarch.

If things continued this way, it would be a challenge. Yu Yan had already passed the test even before the ceremony. All the Elders knew he was the successor. But the test was still necessary for the disciples. If he lost their support now. . .

Fortunately, Yu Yan wasn't done yet.

"The clan lacks a herb farm and we have some Alchemy Apprentices. We can allow people to join us in mining as long as they pay a small entry fee every day they come up the mountain."

The crowd started to have a bad feeling as Yu Yan continued.

The First Elder's expression changed and he glanced at the Mirror to confirm it was working on Yu Yan.

His actions seemed to be mocking everyone. Why was he pausing? Can't you say everything once?

He grumbled to himself but said nothing. Even if the mirror didn't work on Yu Yan, the clan had no choice but to make him Patriarch anyway. The clan rules could not be altered or they would suffer for it.

Unable to wait anymore, he asked directly.

"What fee?"

"Spirit stones would be good. One stone for each person or a stalk of Tier 2 Spirit herb"

A strange silence filled the crowd for a few seconds before some started getting agitated.

Some of them could not sit still anymore. This Yu Yan was a nuisance who would ruin everything if he became Patriarch. His methods were too evil.

How much was a spirit stone? If an average laborer mined for a full day, they could only get a little above the equivalent of the stone. If they sold it, they would barely make a profit. Wouldn't it be better to send the laborer to more profitable places then?

"Isn't that too much?" the First Elder asked, wiping sweat from his forehead.

Yu Yan had to be Patriarch, but if he offended everyone here, things could get tricky. They didn't need a Patriarch with connections, but he didn't need to be enemies with everyone, right?

Yu Yan's voice turned very reluctant as he replied, "Those who can't pay can agree to other conditions. Like defending the mountain from thieves paying some of our taxes for us or offering guards for our shops. The options are infinite"

Yu Yan had a modern mind and while that didn't mean he was smarter than everyone, it meant he was more open-minded. If there was anything life on earth taught him, it was that anything was possible if you think hard enough.

The First Elder looked around and smiled. His gaze turned to the Patriarch, who nodded subtly, and then to the Sixth and Fifth Elder.

"The test has now concluded. The last question will be for the Clear Heart Mirror. It will select the one who has the best intentions for the Clan. If anyone has issues with the Mirror selection, you can refer to Elder Zhou of the Clear Heart Sect for clarification."

Elder Zhou felt that her eyes had been opened today. The shamelessness of the Yu Clan Elders knew no bounds. She was one of those who knew about the Yu Clan's secret treasure and the reason for their strict rules. It was less out of choice and more of a restriction; the price of continued survival.

Everyone looked on in anticipation when suddenly, the light around the others dimmed, and Yu Yan's turned clearer and brighter until it became invisible, but everyone in the audience could feel the energy radiating off him.

Yu Yan slowly rose from his sitting position. His eyes fluttered open and his gaze searched the crowd. If before he was like a detached sage looking at everything with indifference, now he was like a saint with divine authority. His presence just by standing there, commanded respect.

"From today, I, Yu Yan, will be the Yu Clan's Immemorial Patriarch," he announced in a loud voice, taking advantage of the Qi released by the First Elder under the guise of the Heart Mirror.

This time, there was no one laughing. The clan disciples who witnessed the Patriarch selection ceremony for the first time were stunned by the absurdity of the event. The older Elders who knew the secret of the last one were baffled at the changed questions and the newer Elders who were present for the last one but unaware of the secrets behind it were curious as to what followed.

The other Legacies slowly opened their eyes. Their gazes were instantly attracted by Yu Yan, who stood beside them like a tall mountain with intense Qi radiating from his body, followed by a strong intent they had never encountered.

Yu Yan heard the System chime and noticed the system activation message but he had no time to pay attention to it.

The First Elder spoke up again, this time addressing the other Legacies.

"The three of you will be Honorary Elders of the Yu Clan until you return to settle down with us, then you will be true Yu Clan Elders" he announced.

The Legacies were confused about how they lost but the situation wasn't unacceptable for them, at least it wasn't for most of them. Yu Wei was displeased, not just that he lost but as he recalled his answers to the questions, he looked around the crowd awkwardly. The Scholarly air he had around him faltered.

But no one was paying attention to him, and somehow, this made him even more displeased.

"In seven days. There will be another appointment ceremony for all Direct disciples of the clan."

The ceremony slowly came to an end with a banquet where Yu Yan was introduced to the dignitaries of the kingdom by the First Elder.

Since he didn't know much about the Clan's situation or relationship with surrounding powers, he kept his mouth shut and simply greeted everyone with warm gestures.

After the banquet, he was excited to return to his courtyard to check on the full activation of the system when he was stopped by the Clan Patriarch.

He was about to bow in respect when th Sixth Elder who was behind the Patriarch glared fiercely at him.

"You don't need to bow anymore" the Patriarch waved his hand and explained gently to Yu Yan.

The First Elder, who was behind the Patriarch's wheelchair, stepped away and gestured for Yu Yan to take over.

Yu Yan obediently went around the Patriarch and held on to the handlebars.

"A new courtyard has been arranged for you. We'll lead you there" the First Elder said and started to lead. Yu Yan hesitated a bit before following. Behind them, the other, Elders and the former Legacies also followed.