After more than an hour, Jiang Chen returned to the Jiang family estate with Meng Qingxue and Jiang Kui.
As soon as they stepped through the gates, Jiang Chen swept his gaze across the outer courtyard square — hundreds of guests had already gathered, surrounding the central platform in a festive yet tense atmosphere.
These were the people Jiang Qianhe had invited to witness his "ascension" to the position of Patriarch.
On the high platform at the center, Jiang Qianhe, dressed in ornate ceremonial robes, was solemnly paying homage to the Jiang family's ancestral tablets under the guidance of the family priest.
"We honor the kindness of our ancestors and vow never to forget their legacy.We shall inherit their foundation, ensuring the Jiang family continues to flourish…"
He paused dramatically before continuing:
"With the disappearance of our last Patriarch, the Jiang family has been left without its guiding dragon's head.As the eldest of our line, I, Jiang Qianhe, though untalented, am willing to step forward — to take on the role of Patriarch, inherit our forebears' will, and revitalize the Jiang family!"
Once the rites were completed, Jiang Qianhe sat on the main seat at the center of the platform, his voice booming:
"From this day forth, I— Jiang Qianhe— shall…"
"Jiang Qianhe!"
A cold, mocking voice suddenly cut him off mid‑sentence.
"You want to be the Patriarch? Why don't you first take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are even worthy?"
"The Patriarch of the Jiang family— when did it ever become the turn of an old dog like you?"
The words reverberated like a slap across the square, silencing the entire assembly.
All eyes turned toward the source of the voice.
Three figures were walking toward the platform.
"Who is that brat? Daring to cause trouble at the Jiang family's ancestral ceremony?"
"Don't you know? That's Jiang Chen — the son of Jiang Wuya, the former Patriarch. The so‑called 'young master'."
"Oh… so it's him. Hah! Does he still want to fight for the Patriarch's seat? How laughable."
"Isn't he just a Body Quenching dual‑layer waste? Trying to challenge Elder Jiang Qianhe? He must be dreaming!"
Mocking whispers rippled through the crowd.
In this world where strength ruled above all, a so‑called "waste" had no right to speak — let alone challenge for the Jiang family's throne.
"So… the little brat finally dares to come back."
On the platform, Jiang Qianhe narrowed his eyes, his lips curling into a cold sneer.
He had never placed this so‑called "young master" in his eyes.
But to his surprise, this so‑called waste had undergone a monstrous transformation — defeating Jiang Yunhong, earning a place at Lingyun Martial Academy, and, most shocking of all, becoming an alchemist.
Jiang Qianhe had long since sensed the danger Jiang Chen posed to his ambitions.
This was why he had acted so decisively — seizing control of the Jiang family and staging this public succession ritual.
Today, Jiang Chen had walked into his trap. And today, Jiang Qianhe would end this threat once and for all.
"Jiang Chen," Jiang Qianhe said coldly, rising from his seat to glare down condescendingly,
"I am an elder of the Jiang family. With the Patriarch missing, why am I unworthy of inheriting his mantle?
Today is a day of great joy for the Jiang family. If you dare cause trouble here— don't blame me for being merciless."
"The head of the Jiang family is my father, Jiang Wuya."
Jiang Chen's voice was calm, but it carried an edge that sliced through the air.
"Even if my father truly left the Jiang family, the next Patriarch would be chosen by the clan — and it certainly wouldn't be you.
Don't forget — I am the young master of the Jiang family!"
The crowd erupted.
"What?!"
The "waste" dared to openly declare his claim? Did he actually intend to compete with Jiang Qianhe for the position of Patriarch?