I began to understand the myriad things by chopping wood

Xie Zhi's fingers were waving in front of Xie Yuan, pointing and gesturing.

Xie Yuan looked at Xie Zhi's excited and complacent expression, but he said nothing and had no intention of making excuses.

He knew that since Xie Zhi dared to suddenly attack, it must not be groundless.

Although with Xie Yuan's current power and resourcefulness, it is possible to delay the matter or find a way to conceal it, but Xie Yuan does not want to do that.

He looked at Xie Zhi calmly, seeing how confident he was.

Sure enough, Xie Wen asked again:
"Xie Zhi, do you have any basis for saying this?"

"Naturally there is."

Xie Zhi twirled his beard and smiled:

"If you go to the ancestral hall and look through the family tree, you will find that Xie Yuan, the current head of the family, and the 'sons' and 'nephews' of the previous two heads of the family have not been registered in the family tree, and are not listed in Xie Xuan's branch.

"Isn't it ridiculous that a family head enters the family tree for other members of the clan, but his own name is not included in the tree?"

When these words were spoken, many elders were very surprised.

Some people even had the urge to check it out immediately.

But everyone knew that since Xie Zhi dared to say this and challenge him in person, it was impossible for him to talk nonsense about something that could be easily verified.

Is this even happening?

The elders were whispering to the people next to them, exchanging glances, and the banquet hall became a little noisy.

Xie Lei, who was always heroic, frowned and said in a muffled voice:

"This doesn't prove anything. Maybe Xie Yi had other considerations at the time. By the way, what did Fifth Master say?"

"Xie Lei, you are right, Master Wu also said so!"

Xie Zhi pointed at Xie Lei, who was trying to speak for Xie Yuan, and laughed. His confident attitude instantly suppressed Xie Lei's momentum:

"Fifth Master said that Xie Yi found an excuse not to enter him into the family tree, and he never mentioned it again, which made Fifth Master feel a little strange."

"That's it, isn't it? That means they all know about it and haven't hidden it from others. They must have their own reasons. It's just that Xie Yi is lying down now, so we can't ask him. Let's wait until he wakes up!"

Xie Lei said with a stern face.

Xie Zhi looked at him, smiling:

"Xie Lei, can we really drag it out like this? Well, even if there are a thousand reasons for not being included in the family tree for the time being, we really can't just say that this Xie Yuan is a fake.

"But not long ago, the head of the family killed Ji Xuan, the genius master of the Ji family of the Demon Sect, in Beishan Village, Wei County. Do you know where that place is?"

Many elders frowned slightly, and most of them didn't know where it came from.

Xie Lingyun's body trembled, and she murmured subconsciously:

"That's the hometown of my brother's adoptive parents..."

Xie Zhi turned around, twirling his beard and smiling:
"Lingyun is absolutely right."

Xie Lingyun reacted immediately, her face flushed, and she gritted her teeth and said:
"No, that's not what I meant..."

She stammered a few times and pursed her lips tightly.

Xie Yuan waved at her, leaving her stunned and her expression instantly becoming extremely complicated.

Xie Zhi smiled and said:
"Beishan Village is the distant clan that took away the brothers Xie Yuan and Xie Lun. Of course, I don't know how far away this distant clan is. I have searched the family tree for 800 years and cannot find any information about Beishan Village. It's just that they do have the surname Xie. Maybe they have some connection with the Yubei Xie family that separated 1,200 years ago. Maybe.

"That couple was naturally very kind to the Xie Yuan brothers, and they also made great contributions to our Xie family, not to mention the large tomb they built in Beishan Village. Xie Yuan was a filial son, and he offered sacrifices three times a year, on Qingming Festival, New Year's Day, and on his death anniversary, and he never missed one.

"Never more than once."

When everyone heard this, they all understood something.

Xie Zhi continued:
"It just so happened that the time he encountered Ji Xuan was neither Qingming Festival, nor the New Year's Day, nor the anniversary of his death, but he went there suddenly and encountered a strong enemy. Obviously, the Ji family has been targeting our clan recently. With Xie Yuan's usual calmness and meticulousness, why would he suddenly go out and take risks at this time? And he really encountered an enemy.

“Unless, he had a reason to go at that time.

"That was the time I felt something was a little strange. Later, I accidentally discovered that Xie Yuan happened to go to the ancestral hall to look at the family tree during those two days.

"Similarly, he usually either practices diligently and serves as a role model for the young people in the clan, or handles clan affairs, which makes us ashamed. He has never done anything else in more than two years, so why did he suddenly go to the ancestral hall to look at the family tree?

"When I asked Fifth Master, I heard that Xie Yi actually left something for him. Xie Yuan looked at the thing and the family tree, but he was surprised for a while."

When Xie Zhi reached this point, he paused, twirling his beard, and smiled, letting everyone reflect on the past.

None of the elders were foolish. They also sensed something was wrong when they saw Xie Yuan, so they all remained silent.

Xie Wen shook his head secretly and muttered:

"You are such a dog's tail, following others so closely."

"Each each other."

Xie Zhi smiled, his gaunt face looked like a teacher, but there was a hint of shrewdness in his eyes.

Like Xie Wen, he was also very interested in the position of patriarch in the beginning, and he really got to know Xie Yuan well.

Xie Zhi and Xie Wen knew a lot about his adoptive parents and his whereabouts and habits.

Then Xie Wen knew that there was nothing wrong with what Xie Zhi said.

"But even if that's the case, it doesn't mean that Xie Yuan is definitely the biological son of those two."

No one else spoke, but Xie Zhi himself was talking.

But everyone knew that what he was going to say next was the real key.

“So I sent people to Beishan Village to investigate, to see what the two were like before the catastrophe 20 years ago, and whether they had any children or other relatives.

"Guess what happened? I found that I couldn't find any previous information about these two 'great benefactors' of my clan in the local county annals, household registers, and archives. All the information related to events before 20 years ago was erased.

“Moreover, according to my subordinates, it should have disappeared in the past two years.

"I wonder who has the guts to cover up the life story of my Chenjun Xie family's benefactor?"

Xie Zhi smiled, but his tone was strange.

Everyone was silent, and everyone thought of a name.

Xie Zhi sighed in a pretentious manner:
"Although it was so obvious, the clues were broken and I really had no way to do anything. However, God has mercy on the couple. They moved their graves and returned in such a glorious manner. Many old people naturally remember them.

"I followed this line of inquiry and soon found out that there was an old midwife in the next village. She was already in her 80s, but she still remembered the birth of the baby clearly.

"Why do I remember it so clearly? Because those two days happened to be the happy days when the head of the family was blessed with a baby boy. My Xie clan sent messengers to spread the good news to branches all over Yuzhou. Anyone who was close by could share in the joy, and Beishan Village was no exception.

“Just when the mother was about to give birth, she heard that the Xie family’s head had also given birth to a child, named Yuan, and received a red egg.

"So the couple named their unborn child Xie Yuan to bring good luck. Perhaps it was because of the protection of the Xie family of Chen County. The midwife said that she had been a midwife all her life and had never seen a child born so smoothly. Moreover, the child was born with red lips and white teeth, and his facial features were the essence of his parents. He was extremely beautiful. In her experience, he would not grow up crooked. He looked handsome from childhood to adulthood.

"The strangest thing is that the child didn't cry or make a fuss at first. He was naturally calm. His eyes seemed a little confused for a moment, and then he burst into tears like an ignorant child. The old midwife described this vividly, still with a strange look on her face, as if she was telling the truth.

"Elders, do you think Xie Yuan from Beishan Village resembles someone?"

Xie Zhi twirled his beard and smiled.

Whoosh—whoosh…

There was continuous snow and wind outside the corridor, and the hall was silent.

Countless eyes looked at Xie Yuan openly or secretly, but Xie Yuan remained silent and said nothing.

Xie Zhi looked around and felt a little excited knowing that the outcome was decided.

He said slowly:

"If you still feel that this is not right, then I will ask the head of the family to dispel everyone's doubts, open the coffin and perform an autopsy, and use my Xie family's secret method to confirm that they are not related by blood..."

"Xie Zhi, there's no need to do this."

Xie Yuan shook his head and interrupted.

He looked calm, holding the jade bottle in his hand, and said slowly:

"What you said is all true. I just found out about it recently."

When everyone heard him admit it himself, they all opened their mouths slightly and looked shocked.

I didn’t expect that there was such a complicated thing behind it!
This Xie Yuan is actually not a member of Chenjun Xie family at all?

Xie Wen, Xie Bing, Xie Lei and all the other elders had solemn expressions, mixed with surprise and absurdity.

The difference is that some people are complicated and heavy, while some people's faces change instantly and their minds flash.

Xie Lingyun stared at Xie Yuan blankly, her mind was completely blank. She just subconsciously thought:

"He's not my brother? What is my father doing? What is he doing? Oh my God, he's not my brother. It turns out we are not relatives..."

Xie Lingyun subconsciously felt sad and reluctant, and her nose felt sore.

But just as she was about to shed tears, she suddenly thought of something and stopped.

Wait a moment……

Mu Chaoyun just looked at Xie Yuan's figure without any surprise. Instead, he sighed slightly, with pity in his eyes.

Xie Zhi was a little surprised to see Xie Yuan admit it so straightforwardly. But he was delighted and just laughed and said:
"Since you admit it, it will be easy. Considering that you did not cause any trouble while in office and have made contributions to the Xie family, I will forgive you for the past. You can hand over the ring and abdicate.

"But Xie Yuan, it's not that I don't want to help you. I just can't find your ancestor's name even after searching through the eight hundred years of genealogy. Even if the Chenjun Xie family is the most capable, you must belong to the Chenjun Xie family first, right?
"It's a pity that you are not a member of the Xie clan of Chen County. Even though we both have the surname Xie, I'm afraid you are not as close to the people in our clan as the people who have lived in Chen County for generations."

The blood relationship is very distant, he might as well be any old Chen County person...

Xie Lingyun didn't hear anything else, she only noticed this sentence and continued to think blankly.

"Xie Yuan, please abdicate and save some dignity for yourself."

Xie Zhi stared at Xie Yuan closely, staring at the ring on Xie Yuan's hand.

Xie Yuan subconsciously rubbed the ring and sighed silently.

He had been listening to Xie Zhi for so long that he had already anticipated something.

Xie Yuan had anticipated this scene since he learned about his true life experience.

But he didn't expect it to come so quickly.

If he didn't know, he wouldn't have taken these actions, and perhaps no one else would ever know.

But as soon as he knew the truth, even if it was just a subconscious action, it was discovered by those who were paying attention to him all the time, what a coincidence.

Perhaps, this is fate.

But Xie Yuan was still grateful to Xie Yi and told him the truth about his life.

In fact, this was not in the best interest of Xie Yi, who wanted him to remain the patriarch. As long as he was not told, Xie Yuan himself would not know, and the possibility of others noticing would also be minimized.

However, Xie Yi also didn't want to keep deceiving him.

It’s a pity that this is not his real second uncle, but he is definitely a close and respectable elder.

Xie Yuan was not particularly attached to this position.

In comparison, he actually prefers to practice freely and does not like to carry such a heavy burden on his shoulders.

Although this has many advantages, it also comes with huge pressure, which is not what Xie Yuan likes.

but……

Xie Yuan shook his head:

"Elders, we will hold a meeting of all elders tomorrow to discuss who will take over the position of Patriarch.

"Today is New Year's Eve, the end of the year, a day for reunion and celebration. Let's all gather together and have a meal first."

He raised his glass and drank it all.

Xie Zhi looked at him and wanted to say something, but he keenly noticed the reactions of the elders around him. He just sneered, turned back to his seat, and started eating slowly.

very delicious.

The other elders all had complicated expressions. They said nothing and silently dealt with the delicacies in front of them.

It's just that they were either distracted or frowning, and the reunion banquet, which originally had a good atmosphere, became tasteless.

The elders had no interest in the banquet, as they were preoccupied with their affairs. They left one after another, and the banquet hall was soon empty.

Only Xie Yuan, Xie Lingyun and Mu Chaoyun were still sitting in the front, and a group of servants who looked awkward but still stood by to serve.

Xie Lingyun's expression was a little complicated and vague, but she heard Xie Yuan's voice coming from the side:

"What are you standing there for? Eat."

"what?"

Xie Lingyun turned her head subconsciously and asked inexplicably:
"You're still in the mood to eat at this moment..."

"Since it's like this now, why not eat first."

Xie Yuan glanced at the two empty tables, most of the delicacies were untouched, and shook his head:
"waste."

"This South China Sea giant crab tastes good."

Mu Chaoyun gently tore off a piece of snow-white crab leg meat with her bare hands and put it into her mouth, then said lightly.

Xie Yuan smiled slightly and also picked up the crab that was bigger than a human face.

Xie Lingyun found it somewhat unreasonable, yet she also admired Xie Yuan's composure.

But she couldn't help but poke Xie Yuan twice with her elbow:

"Hey, you're really not my brother?"

"Forget it."

Xie Yuan glanced at her and said:

"I will always be your brother."

Xie Lingyun's eyes widened immediately:
"You're obviously not!"

"That's right. Once a brother, always a brother. Haven't you heard of that?"

Xie Lingyun's eyebrows were raised:

"Don't talk nonsense! I haven't learned this sentence at all."

“So now you’ve learned it.”

Xie Yuan handed over a crab leg that was as thick as a child's forearm:
"Here, eat a leg."

Xie Lingyun gritted her teeth when she heard this, but looking at the peeled crab legs, she couldn't help but take them and lowered her head to eat.

Anyway, no matter what, he is not my brother anymore.

After dinner, Xie Yuan and Xie Lingyun went to find Cui Pingjun first.

"There is such a thing..."

After hearing this, Cui Pingjun also showed a look of surprise.

She turned to Xie Yi, who was lying quietly on the bed, with a complicated look on her face. She shook her head and sighed secretly:

"You are really embarrassing the child..."

Cui Pingjun looked at Xie Yuan again and asked:

"Yuan'er, what are you going to do?"

She looked normal, as if she didn't realize that the person in front of her was not her nephew.

Xie Yuan was not surprised, he just said:

"I'll try again at tomorrow's elders' meeting. If that doesn't work... we'll talk about it later."

Upon hearing this, Cui Pingjun sighed and nodded silently.

Xie Yuan bowed and left under the complicated gazes of Cui Pingjun and Xie Lingyun.

After returning to his own courtyard, Xie Yuan still greeted Shi Jian and Yun Zhu who came to greet him with a smile, without letting them notice anything unusual.

Only when he was alone with Mu Chaoyun did he restrain his expression and let out a long sigh.

Mu Chaoyun's eyes, like a mirror lake, stared at him quietly, pulled his hand, and asked softly:
"What are you going to do?"

Xie Yuan said in a deep voice:
"Let's try again. Second Uncle...he entrusted the family to me. I don't trust him to leave it to anyone else. I really don't trust him."

Whether it is Xie Wen or Xie Zhi, one of them has a limited vision and the other is profit-driven. They are definitely not suitable to be in charge of the entire family.

As for the other elders, they either lack power or are not interested in the position. Looking around, there is no one suitable.

Xie Yuan had finally managed to stabilize the Xie family in Chenjun. If he allowed others to disrupt the situation, he was afraid that the situation would get out of control and he would feel guilty about Xie Yi's trust.

If I could just walk away, that would be fine...

Xie Yuan sighed.

Mu Chaoyun looked at him and said in a vague tone:
“I’m afraid it’s difficult.

"Besides, you won't stay here forever after all."

Xie Yuan glanced at Mu Chaoyun and said thoughtfully:

"What did you see?"

Mu Chaoyun nodded.

state.

Xie Yuan tapped her delicate forehead lightly and threatened:
"Didn't I tell you not to use the Heavenly Secret Technique?"

Mu Chaoyun was completely stunned, and his forehead, which was as white and transparent as if it were as delicate as a baby's, turned visibly red.

She subconsciously touched her forehead, unable to believe that Xie Yuan dared to be so arrogant!
I used to call you master, but now I treat you like a child. I dare not imagine what will happen in the future.

But Mu Chaoyun just lowered his head slightly and said softly, the female master actually looked a little pitiful:
"That's something I saw before. I haven't used it recently."

"Oh? Then I wrongly blame you."

Upon hearing this, Xie Yuan smiled embarrassedly and gently rubbed Mu Chaoyun's forehead, causing Mu Chaoyun to snort.

"So what else did you see?"

Xie Yuan asked casually.

Mu Chaoyun paused for a moment, and then immediately became gentle and casual:

"Don't tell you."

"Who cares?"

Xie Yuan didn't care and just smiled:
"Successors like us only believe that man can conquer nature."

"That's best."

Mu Chaoyun said seriously.

New Year’s Eve is a night for family reunion.

However, the news about the lunch in the banquet hall spread like wildfire, or perhaps such news could not be concealed at all.

The entire clan knew that as soon as the new year arrived, the family would hold a meeting of elders to decide on the selection of the head of the family.

As for why...

There are rumors that no one believes, such as that Xie Yuan is a fake.

Anyone with a little common sense would scoff at this.

Most people still believed that it was an internal dispute, or something to do with strength. There were many different opinions at the time, and no one believed the outrageous rumor except those who were in high positions and close to the elders.

Until the New Year came, the first ray of new sunshine shone on the pavilions and towers of the creek meeting hall, making them sparkle brightly.

Everyone is already seated inside.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the number of Xie elders who came to the Xishui meeting hall was second only to the first time Xie Yuan convened the elders' meeting.

The difference between this time and that time was just that one or two elders could not come, such as Xie Yu who had no news after his retreat.

As the sun shines through the window lattices and the cleverly designed skylight vents, beams of light shine into the hall, reflecting the gurgling stream and creating ripples. It's a pity that such a beautiful view still can't change the solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Xie Yuan entered the conference room with the first ray of sunlight and still sat down in the first seat.

But everyone noticed that he was not wearing the complicated black robe of the head of the family.

Xie Yuan glanced at each of the elders who were silently watching him, pausing for a moment on each of their faces, observing their expressions.

He sighed, and then a calm voice sounded in the hall:

“All the elders are familiar with the purpose of today’s meeting.

“In case there are elders from yesterday and the future who don’t know the details, I will inform everyone here.

"I, Xie Yuan, am not the biological son of the former head of the family, Xie Xuan, and have no blood relationship with him. My hometown is Beishan Village, Wei County. I am a member of the Yubei Xie family, which was separated from the family 1,200 years ago, and the Xie family was separated many years ago.

“I learned about this matter recently and had no intention of making it public, but Elder Xie Zhi was very observant and noticed this and made it public.

“Although it is against etiquette, I still want to defend myself and Patriarch Xie Yi. Neither he nor I have any selfish motives.

"Especially Patriarch Xie Yi. After all, I am not his nephew, so I have no selfish motives. Patriarch Xie Yi made this decision out of his heart for the family."

"If you are devoted to your family, how could you do something so unruly and disrespectful to your ancestors? Our Chenjun Xie family was almost stolen by an outsider!"

Xie Zhi slammed the table and said loudly.

After these words were spoken, many elders became extremely serious.

Yes, if no one had ever noticed this, and Xie Yuan hadn't said anything, and had continued to occupy the position of Patriarch...

A hundred years later, are the Xie family members in the Xie clan still descendants of the Chenjun Xie family?

Perhaps they were one family thousands of years ago, but the blood relationship was so distant that they only had the same surname and were actually complete strangers.

If something like that really happened, how would they face their ancestors?

Xie Yuan glanced at Xie Zhi, was silent for a moment, and said:
"Because the family is in danger of life and death. Two consecutive family heads have died in battle, and the Xie family is in turmoil and under great pressure. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. This is what the head of the Xie family, Xie Yi, told me before he fell asleep.

"At that time, I didn't fully understand what he meant, but I have to say without any modesty that I still worked diligently and meticulously, and continued to work hard for the stability and safety of the Xie family in Chen County.

"I think everyone has a scale in their hearts and makes their own calculations on this point.

"Today, you all have seen how well I have done in this position.

"The family's situation is now initially stable. According to Patriarch Xie Yi's policy of holding on, the losses in the face of external challenges are minimal. In the absence of a grandmaster, the Wang and Cui families have gradually reached a stalemate.

"As long as time passes, the family - or I should say, wait for me. When I become a grandmaster, I will take back all the territories, businesses, secret places and interests that the family has lost over the years.

“No matter what my background is, I, Xie Yuan, will fight for the Chenjun Xie family with all my heart because of the life-saving grace and love shown to me by Patriarch Xie Yi, and I have no other thoughts.

"I can swear here that when the time is right, I will pass the position of the head of the family to the next direct descendant of the Chenjun Xie family, to a suitable candidate. My descendants and I will never get involved in the position of the head of the Chenjun Xie family.

"But before that, I hope you will still agree that I can continue to sit in this position, and unite with everyone to fight against foreign enemies until the family is truly free of hidden dangers. By then, there will be no need to convene a meeting of elders, and I will take the initiative to abdicate."

Xie Yuan finished speaking these words in one breath, leaned back slightly, and watched everyone's reactions quietly.

Many elders looked touched, with a thoughtful look in their eyes.

"Well, please start expressing your opinions."

Xie Zhi spoke first, raising his hand high:
“I am against Xie Yuan continuing to serve as the head of the family.

“First, he is not from the Chenjun Xie family at all. How absurd is it to let an outsider take this position?
"Secondly, Xie Yuan is young, reckless and naive, he acts foolishly and childishly, and his abilities are extremely limited. He is simply not qualified to be the head of the family.

“During his reign, the family encountered setbacks everywhere, suffered many crises and suffered huge losses.

"For my Xinglong Hall alone, the Chamber of Commerce under its name has lost 20%, and 30% of the caravans have been disbanded or reorganized. The total annual revenue has decreased by 30%!
"However, the head of the family remained indifferent and was powerless. He allowed the powerful enemy to suppress and force him. He could only cede cities and land and constantly seek peace. He did not have the courage of the Xie family. Xinglong Hall is just an example. I believe that everyone else feels the same way.

"And Xie Yuan not only did not solve the powerful enemy, but also provoked it. My clan and the Demon Cult had never interfered with each other, but he insisted on provoking the Ji family of the Demon Cult, causing the Ji family to retaliate against my clan without regard for the consequences, causing heavy losses, all because of his own selfish desires.

"He is so stupid and incompetent that he is not fit to be the head of the family. I suggest that we directly cancel Xie Yuan's position as the head of the family and elect a new head of the family. As for Xie Yuan, we will decide his fate later."

After Xie Zhi finished speaking, the whole room became quiet except for the sound of the stream.

After a moment, Xie Wen slowly spoke:
"Xie Zhi, don't take advantage of this. Everyone knows your level, so don't blame it on Xie Yuan."

"Is the pharmacy in a good situation? Who almost emptied the medicine store? Or, do you support Xie Yuan to stay in office? Xie Wen, you only need to answer these questions for me."

Xie Zhi said aggressively.

Xie Wen was silent for a moment, then said coldly:
"Although I don't support him continuing..."

"That's it. Time is limited. Next one."

Xie Zhi interrupted Xie Wen and looked at Xie Bing:
"Elder Bing, what do you think?"

Xie Bing's face was solemn and serious. Even when he was sitting, his burly figure looked tall and his aura was amazing.

Everyone looked at the head of Longwu Academy, who had extremely high strength and status.

He slowly said:

"First, I don't agree with the nonsense you said. Most of the loss of Xinglongtang is due to your level, and a small part is the general situation. As for the rest, it has nothing to do with Xie Yuan. He has done a good job."

Xie Zhi knew that Xie Bing had always been strong, but he didn't expect him to be so disrespectful and even seemed to be on Xie Yuan's side. His expression changed slightly.

Xie Bing continued:
"Second, I do not support Xie Yuan continuing to serve as the head of the family."

After these words were spoken, everyone's expressions became complicated, and they all looked relieved. Especially Xie Zhi, who immediately smiled happily, not minding Xie Bing's scolding just now.

Since the three most powerful and senior elders and high-level masters all expressed the same idea, Xie Yuan's position as the head of the family was basically over.

"third."

Xie Bing looked at Xie Yuan:

"The position of vice president of Longwu Academy is reserved for you. I suggest you enter Longwu Academy directly."

After these words were spoken, the elders' expressions became somewhat subtle again.

But after Xie Bing finished speaking, he had nothing else to say. He closed his mouth, looked at his nose with his eyes, and looked at his heart with his nose.

Xie Yuan nodded slightly at him and looked at the others.

Xie Lei had been closing his eyes, but now he opened them and said in a voice like thunder:
"Although Xie Yuan is indeed not suitable to be the head of the family, he should still be given the position of elder. It is also good for us to practice in peace."

Although Xie Lei does not hold a position, he is very powerful and is also a high-level master.

These powerful masters all had the same opinion, and there were no other changes afterwards.

The elders expressed their opinions one after another, and all expressed their opposition like the previous four people, even though some of them were elders who had always supported Xie Yuan or were impressed by Xie Yuan.

But considering that Xie Yuan did not belong to the Xie family of Chen County at all, the best he could do was to be a guest elder. They really could not accept an outsider as the head of the family.

Xie Yuan looked over quietly, knowing in his heart that they had actually held a meeting in advance.

Seeing that Xie Tiexin had clearly expressed his position even though he lowered his head and didn't look at him, he took a deep breath and said:

"My fellow elders, I understand your difficulties. But if I abdicate, who will take over?
“Although Elder Xie Wen is powerful, his will is weak, and his vision is limited to one place and one room, and he cannot take charge of the overall situation;

"Elder Xie Zhi has profound cultivation, but forgive me for being blunt, he is short-sighted and profit-seeking. Although he has high aspirations, he has a low self-esteem and is not the right person to take on the responsibility."

He pointed out two problems bluntly, and then looked at Xie Bing:

"As for Elder Bing, have you ever had the ambition to compete for the position of Patriarch? Elder Xie Lei must feel the same way."

The two powerful elders both shook their heads.

Xie Zhi's face darkened and he groaned:
"You don't have to worry about this. You are an outsider, so take care of your own business."

Seeing that no one reacted, Xie Yuan sighed and looked at Xie Qian—it was Xie Fu's son, the steward Xie Qian, not the foreign affairs elder. When the two were named, the two families were too far apart and had no communication, so they had the same name. This kind of thing happens from time to time in aristocratic families.

Steward Xie Qian represented Xie Fu. Xie Yuan looked at him and asked:

"Does Elder Fu have any instructions?"

Xie Qian hesitated and shook his head.

Xie Yuan suddenly felt clear-headed.

In Xie Fu's position, if he has no opinion, that is his opinion.

Xie Zhi's heart was completely settled, and he laughed loudly:
"In that case, Xie Yuan, why don't you take off your ring and give way to someone more capable than you!"

Xie Yuan's eyes quickly stared at Xie Zhi.

But who was Xie Zhi? And what was his cultivation level? He was not afraid at all, he just looked back with a sneer, his eyes sparkling, and his momentum was even more compelling, giving Xie Yuan heavy pressure.

Under the pressure of Xie Zhi's eyes and the gazes of many masters and elders, Xie Yuan said nothing.

He looked outside the hall.

At this moment, only if Xie Yi wakes up can he help him.

However, Xie Yuan immediately laughed at himself, how could Xie Yi wake up by such a coincidence?

And if he woke up, there would be no need for me to stay in this position.

It makes him seem as if he is very reluctant to leave.

The sunlight outside the hall is very dazzling.

Although the conference room was quite bright because of the sunlight, it was still not as bright as outside. Even if you looked outside, it was all white and you couldn't see clearly.

Xie Yuan stared outside, narrowing his eyes slightly.

He fixed his eyes.

Nothing at all.

Xie Yuan retracted his gaze, and starting from Xie Zhi, he scanned all the masters and elders one by one, lingering on each person's face for a moment.

He suddenly sighed, feeling relieved.

With a thought, Xie Yuan wiped out all the spiritual consciousness remaining on the blood jade ring. He took off the ring and felt like he was taking off some shackles.

He placed the ring on the table in front of him, attracting many unblinking eyes to stare at it.

The top-notch magical weapon also symbolizes top-notch power.

Xie Yuan stood up silently and walked out.

Xie Lei didn't look at the ring, but just looked at Xie Yuan, and suddenly frowned:
"Xie Yuan, wait a minute! Let's discuss what position of elder to give you before we leave!"

Xie Bing tilted his head slightly, looked at Xie Yuan's back and said in a deep voice:
“Vice President of Longwu Academy, it’s settled.

"No, you be the dean! I will be an idle elder and compete for the position."

He stared at Xie Zhi:

"I will support Xie Wen and will not let you take advantage of others."

Xie Zhi's face changed and he said coldly:

"Elder Bing, why are you doing this?"

"You do not deserve."

Xie Bing said calmly.

Xie Wen was not very happy about the news. He just looked at the ring on the table, then turned to look at Xie Yuan with a frown.

He called out:
"Xie Yuan, the pharmacy will keep your benefits for you."

"Thank you for your kindness. My business is not urgent. I'd better decide the position of the head of the family first. I just hope that you will not let the Xie family have disputes again. Stability is the most important thing."

Xie Yuan bowed at the door with a sincere tone.

After he said that, he turned around and left without looking back.

The elders all felt that something was amiss, but as there were more important things to do at the moment, they did not investigate further.

Return to the compound.

Xie Yuan looked at the two pretty maids who came to greet him, smiled and greeted them, then thought for a moment and said:
"Yunzhu, you should practice martial arts with Shijian more often in the future. There is nothing wrong with practicing martial arts in this world. As for other aspects, I believe you can handle them better than Shijian.

"Shijian, I have prepared a secret book for you. It contains some of my insights into martial arts. Go to the study and get it later. Work hard in the future. If you have the chance, maybe you can become a master."

The two maids had already heard some rumors and were feeling uneasy. When they heard this, they were stunned for a moment.

"Master, I'm going with you!"

Yunzhu suddenly said.

Shi Jian was stunned for a moment, then seemed to react and nodded repeatedly:

"Master, how about you accept me as your apprentice?"

Xie Yuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry:

"What are you talking about? Apart from teaching Yunzhu martial arts, you should listen to her from now on!"

He shook his head:
"I can't take you away. You just stay here, they won't make things difficult for you. When you want to leave, tell Ling Yun'er and you can leave naturally. It won't hurt to take advantage of the medicinal herbs and spiritual energy here."

"Then why don't you stay here, young master? Did they chase you away?"

Yunzhu said with a tangled look on her face. She has always been gentle, intelligent, and well-behaved, but she has never shown such a genuine expression.

Because she knew that if Xie Yuan left, she would probably never meet such a good young master in her life.

Xie Yuan just shook his head, patted the two maids on the shoulders, and then went to find Mu Chaoyun.

"Are you leaving?"

Mu Chaoyun asked quietly, as if he had expected it.

Seeing that she had even packed her things, Xie Yuan sighed:
"You are right. Let's go and say goodbye to our aunt."

Xie Yuan thought about it, then packed a small package containing two pieces of clothes, and left behind all the other elixirs and magic weapons.

Including the dragon soul.

Although he was extremely reluctant to part with it, this was not a weapon that belonged to him, Xie Yuan.

Xie Yuan stroked the magic spear twice before placing it on the weapon rack and leaving without looking back.

The dragon soul shook slightly, and emitted a crystal clear blue light, as if the mysterious weapon had a spirit.

However, as Xie Yuan withdrew the breath and spiritual consciousness from it, the magic spear gradually dimmed and returned to its normal appearance.

"This...Yuan'er, why do you want to leave?"

In the main courtyard, Cui Pingjun's eyes widened when she heard Xie Yuan's farewell.

Xie Yuan sighed:

"Aunt, to be honest, after putting down this burden, I just felt like the shackles were lifted, and I felt relaxed. I was actually in a good mood. But the only bad thing is the guilt. I failed to complete my second uncle's instructions..."

He paused, nodded and said:
"If the Xie family encounters an unavoidable disaster in the future, I will do my best. Before that, I will practice hard and strive for the day when I can help the Xie family."

Since this family doesn't need him, why does Xie Yuan keep pestering them?

Besides, it's no use pestering him. He has already tried his best.

Xie Yuan glanced at the peaceful Xie Yi and apologized silently:
"Uncle, I'm sorry that I failed to protect the Xie family as the head of the family. But I will try my best to cultivate. Who knows, one day, I will be able to protect the Xie family and fulfill your request."

Seeing that Xie Yuan was determined to leave, Cui Pingjun could not help but shake her head and sighed:
“It looks like things are going to be difficult for the Xie family.

"Forget it, Yuan'er, just do as you like. Your second uncle will definitely not blame you, and neither will I. You have done your best at your age. Come back often in the future. At least this courtyard is still your home. Your second uncle, me, your sister, and your eldest brother are all here."

Xie Yuan felt a warm feeling in his heart and nodded heavily.

He bowed deeply to Xie Yi, then said goodbye to Cui Pingjun. Just as he was about to go find Xie Lingyun, he bumped into the girl with twin ponytails who came over after hearing the news.

"What? Go? Where to? Take me with you!"

Xie Lingyun's words are concise and to the point.

Xie Yuan was at a loss for words again. He lifted Xie Lingyun's neck and put her aside like Xie Lingyun was lifting a rabbit in her hand.
"Stay with your mom and dad, I will come back to see you."

"What do you mean by come back to see me? Have you forgotten what you promised me?"

Xie Lingyun immediately yelled.

Xie Yuan was stunned for a moment, and hesitantly said:
"This one……"

"Where are you going!"

Xie Lingyun held Xie Yuan's hands with both hands and leaned back as if to pull him back.

Xie Yuan had no choice but to tell her a place.

Xie Lingyun thought about it and said suspiciously:

"Didn't you lie to me?"

"Ah."

"Okay, you go first, I'll be there soon."

"What will happen next?"

Xie Yuan tapped her head, then waved his hand and left hand in hand with Mu Chaoyun.

Xie Lingyun looked at the two people's backs and couldn't help pouting.

She thought about it, went into the house and looked at her mother:
"Mom, I'll go find Xie Yuan in a couple of days."

"Mom still hopes you can stay at home with me and your dad."

Cui Pingjun said calmly.

Xie Lingyun looked at her mother, thoughtfully:
"But you have to look after Dad. Even if I run away secretly, you can't abandon Dad and come to find me."

"That's not bad."

Cui Pingjun nodded slightly.

"I understand!"

Xie Lingyun's eyes suddenly lit up, she nodded repeatedly, her twin ponytails bouncing.

Cui Pingjun said helplessly:

"You know too much. At least, even if you are not related by blood, you still have the same surname and clan, and this is not possible. Your father will not agree."

"Then wait until Dad wakes up!"

Xie Lingyun turned her head, swirled her twin ponytails, and left.

If Cui Pingjun really wanted to stop her, as a master, the mistress of a family, and someone who knew her daughter like the back of her hand, would she really let her get away?

In Xie Yuan's courtyard.

Shi Jian and Yun Zhu were cleaning the empty courtyard, feeling a little empty in their hearts.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew up in the yard, and a figure suddenly appeared.

When the two maids looked, they found that the visitor was an inconspicuous and skinny old man whom they did not recognize.

"Where's Xie Yuan?"

The old man frowned and asked, his tone seemed a little hurried.

The two maids looked at each other. Although they didn't know the person, they still bowed their heads and said respectfully:
"Replying to the elder, the young master has left."

"Leaving? Where to?"

The old man frowned and raised his voice.

The whirlwind around them became more and more violent. Shi Jian and Yun Zhu dared not move and lowered their heads even more:

"Young Master said that he wants to leave Chen County and travel around the world..."

"Traveling around the world?"

The old man repeated in a low voice, then he looked up to the sky and sighed, beating his chest and stamping his feet:

“Ridiculous! Ridiculous!

"The great Xie family of Chen County is so blind that they drove away the real Qilin child!"

His voice was like thunder, rumbling and echoing throughout the Xie clan. (End of this chapter)