August.
Auspicious for sacrifices, coming-of-age ceremonies, and weddings.
On this day.
Uncle-Grandfather formally announced that Chen Nuo would become the new Clan Leader.
Throughout Chen Manor, not a single voice of opposition was raised.
...
At Chen Yong's house.
Chen Yong's mother finished cooking and called him over.
She patted his thick arm, her eyes turning a little red.
"You big oaf. They say fools have all the luck, and you really managed to stumble into the right choice. That Chen Nuo is really going to be the Clan Leader. From now on, you won't have to make your mother worry anymore."
The woman was exhausted.
Having a son with immense strength but a simple mind wasn't a good thing in times like these. He could easily be used by others and end up with an unexplained death. On top of that, food was a huge problem, marriage was a problem—everything was a problem.
The amount of food he'd consumed growing up was no small sum. She had shouldered immense pressure just to raise him to this day.
Besides, the couple had two younger children, not just to continue the family line and ensure they'd be cared for in their old age, but also with the hope that the younger son and daughter would look after their big brother.
But in reality, this was very difficult.
Each family has its own life to lead. If they were always taking care of one person, other family members would surely start to complain.
Still, it was the best solution they, as parents, could come up with.
But now, everything was fine.
Chen Yong had found a powerful backer in Chen Nuo.
He might not be able to avoid fighting and risking his life in the future, but at least Chen Nuo was trustworthy. There was a bond between them; he wouldn't treat her son like a dog. No matter what, he would have some security from now on.
That was enough.
"Yongzi, from now on, you listen to your Brother Nuo. Do whatever he tells you, even if it's killing someone. Don't you ask a single question, you hear me?" the woman said.
Chen Yong scratched his head. He didn't quite understand why his mother was saying such things, but it didn't matter.
'Killing someone... if Brother Nuo said to do it, then I'll just kill them. It's no big deal.'
"But... but you have to remember, you need to know how to escape with your life. And don't trust Chen Nuo completely..." The woman was clearly conflicted.
Chen Yong was getting confused.
'What on earth is Mom talking about? She keeps changing her mind.'
"Mom, when is Dad coming back? Brother Nuo is about to become the Clan Leader."
According to custom, when a new Clan Leader took the position, all clan members who were away were expected to return.
"Your father should be back soon. He's been gone so long this time, he must have earned quite a bit..."
...
At Chen Li's house.
The atmosphere was bleak and miserable.
A stout-looking old woman was in the middle of a tirade.
Kneeling before her was a man: Chen Li.
"Are you even a man anymore?!"
"A grown man, getting this dispirited over a single setback?"
"Is this the pathetic state of a son raised by me, Mrs. Wang of the Chen Clan?"
"Get up!"
"Mother, I know. I'm not dispirited, I just... don't feel well."
Chen Li said, his head bowed low.
He had nightmares every night.
He still carried that egg with him, not daring to eat it.
"Get out. Get out and go help. Chen Nuo is taking over as Clan Leader, so you'll go and work under him quietly. Go."
The old woman kicked Chen Li aside and went back into the house.
Chen Li picked himself up off the ground and walked out, his face a blank mask.
...
The ancestral hall stood at the heart of Chen Manor.
Now, nearly everyone from the village, young and old, had gathered.
Besides the local Chen Family members, there were also over a dozen households with different surnames, members of the Chen Family who had married into other villages, and representatives from nearby villages on good terms with the Chens.
Red banners.
Firecrackers.
Everyone wore a solemn expression.
As for Chen Nuo, he was dressed in an exquisite black outer robe with silver-thread embroidery. His facial adornments, hairstyle, accessories, and footwear—every detail was strictly prescribed.
He looked majestic and dignified, possessing a unique kind of aesthetic.
Hands to the ground, forehead to the soil, he kowtowed before the ancestral tombs.
Afterward, Chen Nuo stood at the head of a long procession of solemnly dressed young people, middle-aged people...
They formed a Long Dragon.
Some sang loudly.
Some danced.
Some laughed.
Many others waited nearby, holding plaques.
And Chen Nuo walked at the very front, leading them all.
He strode with the power of a dragon and the boldness of a tiger, his spirits soaring.
He led the way to the entrance of the ancestral hall.
He bowed with a smile to greet several elders.
Then, he stepped into the ancestral hall.
Neat rows of black memorial tablets lined the walls.
Chen Nuo knelt and offered incense.
Outside, the crowd knelt in unison.
Uncle-Grandfather stood at the front, his expression grave, holding the Incense Burner Soil.
"To the revered ancestors!"
"The history of our Chen Race is long and deep. Our ancestors..."
"...a time of transition... the position of Clan Leader cannot remain empty..."
"Today, the Chen Clan has Nuo. He is virtuous and wise, benevolent and kind. He shall take up this great responsibility, become the Clan Leader, and lead our clan."
"We report to the ancestors: May the clan's fortune endure!"
"We report to the ancestors! May the clan's fortune endure!"
All around, countless people chanted the same words in unison.
The sound was deafening.
Chen Nuo accepted the Incense Burner Soil and turned to face the crowd.
Innumerable pairs of eyes were fixed on him.
At this moment.
All sound ceased.
"I, Chen Nuo, through the support of my clansmen, have become the Clan Leader today. From this day forward, I will ensure everyone has enough to eat!"
"Warm clothes to wear!"
"The elderly will be cared for!"
"The young will be supported!"
"Our men will find wives!"
"Our women will find husbands!"
"Prosperity!"
"OOOOOHHHHH!!!"
Cheers.
Fireworks.
Hope.
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch.
...
The feast began.
Although times were tough, Uncle-Grandfather had sent people into the city to buy many things, so every clansman was now able to eat something of a delicacy.
Chen Nuo stood at the entrance to the ancestral hall, his hands clasped behind his back.
Watching the lively, bustling scene of people coming and going, he felt a peculiar sensation in his heart.
'These are all my clansmen.'
'I'm the Clan Leader now.'
He opened the panel with a thought.
[Name]: Chen Nuo
[Identity]: Clan Leader (Gentry)
[Life Points]: 425
[Divine Techniques]: Immortality, Communication with the Spirit, Spray Transformation
[Realm]: Nourishing Body Realm
[Skills]: Middle Level Medical Skill (1/100), Qi Blood Technique (10/10)
His Identity had changed, and he had reaped a huge harvest of Life Points.
At this moment, he could see a number above the head of every clan member. For most, it was just a one.
A few, however, had a two.
There was even one person with a five above his head!
That's right—that person was Chen Yong.
This number represented the amount of Life Points each clan member could provide, which, in a way, also represented their innate talent.
But now was not the time to dwell on that.
Chen Nuo turned back.
He went to the back of the ancestral hall.
The memorial tablets stood tall.
Uncle-Grandfather was already there, waiting for him.
"Ah Nuo, I suppose I should be calling you Clan Leader now."
Chen Nuo just smiled.
"My apologies for this simple ceremony. It's far shabbier than the succession rites of years past," Uncle-Grandfather said, a little melancholic.
When people grow old, they can't help but reminisce.
Chen Nuo smiled. "The extravagance of the ceremony doesn't matter. The sincere support of our clansmen is the greatest ceremony I could ask for."
Uncle-Grandfather was taken aback, seemingly surprised by the profoundness of Chen Nuo's thoughts. "Hahaha, well said, well said."
"Here. This is the last and most precious heirloom our Chen Clan has left."
Uncle-Grandfather handed him a thread-bound book with a yellowed cover.
Five large words were written on it: *One Element Qi Blood Technique*.
"In this world, Martial Artists and Scholars are held in the highest esteem."
"Martial Artists become generals on the battlefield and great heroes in the Major Martial; Scholars control the Imperial Court and govern the provinces."
"So, if studying doesn't lead to becoming a Scholar, it's better to become a Martial Artist. Especially in this chaotic age, a Martial Artist might be even more important."
"Unfortunately, our Chen Clan's legacy is incomplete. This Cultivation Technique only contains the methods for the Nourishing Body Realm and the Skin and Flesh Realm. The final part, for the Tendon and Bone Realm, is missing."
"As for the realms beyond that, Vital Organs and Blood Burst, those are the guarded secrets of the General's Mansions, the Noble Families, and the Gate Valves. We cannot hope to learn them."
"I hope you will remain humble and patient, and lead our people to survive and thrive in this world."
"From now on, we're all counting on you."
After saying this, Uncle-Grandfather stepped to the side and waited quietly.
Chen Nuo stood in solemn silence.