Chapter Ninety-Seven: Inheriting the Position of Clan Leader

To the eyes of those who cultivate immortality, a year passes in the blink of an eye. Without a thousand years of practice, even the greatest masters have but a shallow understanding of the Dao, and their realms inevitably decline. Over the course of an entire year, Yiqi's days were spent either offering incense to his mother or immersed in his own research.

Yiqi was deeply fond of the alchemical arts of the Supreme Lord Laozi, whose pills could enhance one's power—an essential for all who seek cultivation. Not only that, but Yiqi also invented the plough. Whenever he had leisure, he enjoyed breathing in the air of the natural world. After resolving his conflict with the Lie Mountain Clan, Yiqi began to live among its people.

He wished to live as ordinary folk did, rising with the sun and resting at dusk. Yet he observed that some fields were rich and others loose and barren. The clever Yiqi began to ponder solutions, knowing that even fertile land would eventually turn to waste. How could he maintain its fertility?

Lost in thought, Yiqi returned to his room, and as fate would have it, he found himself frequently visiting the latrine. Despite years of cultivation, Yiqi still possessed a mortal body, and until he achieved perfect merit, he remained bound to mortal limitations.

It was then that Yiqi noticed the grass flourishing where his waste was discarded. Surprised, he wondered if the excrement might enhance the soil's fertility.

Taking matters into his own hands, Yiqi pinched his nose and scattered the waste onto the loose soil. Over the course of a year, he confirmed his hypothesis: the excrement indeed improved the land's fertility. Combined with his newly fashioned plough, it greatly delayed the onset of barren and desolate fields.

Soon after, Yiqi shared his discoveries with his clansmen. At first, they were skeptical. To win their trust, Yiqi spent another year in the Lie Mountain Clan, once more proving his theory. To their astonishment, the barren land, treated with waste and tilled with the plough, yielded harvests comparable to the fertile fields. The misunderstanding toward Yiqi completely disappeared, replaced by profound respect and admiration.

Sacrificing a year of his own time mattered little to him; bringing joy to his clan was his greatest happiness. Through his actions, Yiqi proved himself right, without error.

Seeing such exceptional talent within the clan, the old chief of Lie Mountain contemplated retirement. The clan had found its successor. Resolute, the elder gathered the most esteemed members to consult on the matter.

No sooner was the topic raised than it became clear: only Yiqi could serve as the next chief. One by one, the elders pressed the old chief to appoint Yiqi as the new leader. The chief was delighted; at last, he could lay down his burden and no longer fret over the clan’s future. Watching his old friends speak passionately on Yiqi’s behalf, the chief felt a deep warmth—he had not failed his people.

Led by the chief, the group made their way to Yiqi’s dwelling. Yiqi was busy packing, preparing to report to his senior brother at the Holy Mountain of Humanity, never expecting the chief and his entourage to arrive.

“Grandfather Chief, what brings you here?” Since the Lie Mountain Clan had recognized Yiqi’s family as descendants of Shaodian and Youqiao, Yiqi had shown the clan members even greater respect. Previously, whenever he tried to greet them, he was met with contempt or indifference; gradually, he grew distant. But since the chief acknowledged him, even adopted him as his grandson, and once the clan learned of Yiqi’s achievements, any former disdain vanished, replaced only by reverence.

“We are here today for a matter of great importance to the clan.” The chief and the elders seated themselves, savoring wine, smiling warmly at Yiqi.

“Oh, really?” Yiqi was unsure of their purpose, his face tinged with embarrassment.

“Look, as I grow older, my legs fail me. I need someone to help manage things, so I wanted to hear your opinion.” The old chief hadn’t told Yiqi his intentions, merely testing his attitude toward power.

“Oh, so this is why you’ve come, Grandfather. There are many worthy candidates in the clan—like Xunshan—” Yiqi guessed the chief was troubled over succession. He was about to name others when the chief interrupted.

“If you ask me, the position of chief is yours, Yiqi.” The old chief stood, gently patting Yiqi’s shoulder. “From now on, all of Lie Mountain Clan is entrusted to you.”

“This—this cannot be! Grandfather Chief, I am an outsider; how could I bear the heavy responsibility of clan chief?” Yiqi had no desire to take on the immense task. He had witnessed the chief’s hardships and, upon hearing the proposal, immediately refused.

“What nonsense! How can you not be one of us? Your father, Shaodian, was our chief, was he not? You are of our blood! Moreover, all you have done has been for the people. Why not use your hands to protect our clan?

Your virtue and talent are plain for all to see. For the sake of our clan’s future, I beg you!” As he spoke, the old chief knelt before Yiqi, and the other esteemed elders followed suit.

For a people to prosper, they must have a worthy leader; even the best group is lost without one.

Seeing the elders kneeling, Yiqi was startled, dropping to his knees in turn, fear on his face. “Please, rise! Let us discuss this calmly. I—I accept.”

At last, hearing Yiqi’s consent, the elders’ hearts were relieved, and they hastened to stand. Noticing the sweat beading on Yiqi’s brow, they burst into laughter.

“Very good! The handover ceremony will be held at once. Ha ha ha!” The old chief repeated his approval thrice, then strode out the door, content.

The elders were glad for him, too; the burden was gone, and they could finally relax. Before, they always feared their clan would fall behind, be mocked by others. But with such a creative and talented youth, Lie Mountain Clan would shine among the human race!

“From this day forth, I, Yiqi, am the new chief of Lie Mountain Clan!” Upon the high platform, banners fluttered, crowds surged below, joy filled the air. In the presence of all, Yiqi was officially installed as the new chief of the clan.