Noon, at the Wang family estate.
Wang Chen read over the intelligence report from the morning court session. The corners of his lips curved into a smile—Xu Tiannan had been stripped of his Crown Prince title. That meant the Wang family's crisis was resolved. Now, it was finally time for him to seize the position of Clan Leader.
Previously, he hadn't moved against Wang Yan for the clan leadership, not because he lacked the strength, but because the situation was at a delicate point: the Second Prince's assassination attempt on Xu Tiannan. Wang Chen hadn't wanted to complicate matters.
But now, Xu Tiannan had lost all possibility of ever becoming emperor. No faction would support a eunuch destined never to inherit the throne.
Why back a cripple when supporting the Second or Third Prince promised far greater rewards and fewer troubles?
Thus, the Wang family's crisis was dissolved. Both the Second and Third Princes were busy devouring Xu Tiannan's fallen influence, swelling their own power.
For now, they wouldn't clash.
Wang Chen called this period the calm before the storm.
But once the Second and Third Princes finished consolidating, a far more violent struggle was inevitable. And when that day came, the Wang family—who backed the Second Prince—would inevitably be drawn in.
What Wang Chen had to do during this period of relative calm was simple: rapidly strengthen himself until he reached the level of a Ninth Rank Soul Engineer. Only then would he have the power to influence the conflict and protect those around him.
To achieve such rapid growth, there was no doubt—the Black Book was the key.
As long as he unlocked new functions of the Black Book, his strength would soar once more.
And to unlock them, he had to elevate his status.
Thus, the seat of the Wang Clan Leader was something he was determined to claim.
Wang Chen rose from his bed, stretching as golden sunlight streamed through his window. His eyes shone sharp and resolute.
Becoming a Clan Leader required a process. First, he needed the clan's support. He couldn't simply declare, "I want to be Clan Leader!"—without backing, he would be dismissed as a madman.
A Clan Leader was the head of the entire clan. Without the people's support, the title was meaningless.
Therefore, the first step was to win the approval of the clan elders.
Each elder commanded a large following. If one elder supported you, all his subordinates would as well.
Seeking the support of ordinary clansmen one by one would be foolish—time-consuming and ineffective.
The most efficient path was to convince at least six elders. Then, at the clan meeting, those six could jointly nominate Wang Chen as the new Clan Leader.
Why six? Because the Wang Clan had twelve elders, all at the Soul Sage level. If half or more nominated someone, that candidate qualified for the position.
If the current Clan Leader refused to step down, he had to fight the nominee in a duel. The winner takes the seat.
All Wang Chen had to do was defeat Wang Yan, and he would become the new Clan Leader.
Leaving his home, Wang Chen sought out the elder closest to him—Elder Wang Yuan.
Wang Yuan knew of his immense talent and would be the easiest to persuade. Once convinced, he could help sway the other elders.
From what Wang Chen knew, many elders were already dissatisfied with Wang Yan. Securing six wouldn't be difficult.
A short while later, at Wang Yuan's residence—
"Chen'er, what did you just say? Do you want to become Clan Leader? Did I hear you correctly? Are you feverish?" Wang Yuan's eyes widened in shock, staring at Wang Chen in disbelief.
He knew Wang Chen's talent was extraordinary—barely fifteen years old and already a Soul Emperor. But even that wasn't enough reason to challenge for Clan Leader.
Wang Yan was ambitious and had clung to power for years without any intention of stepping down.
To take the seat, one had to defeat him. And Wang Yan's strength? Peak Contra.
Meanwhile, Wang Chen was only a Soul Emperor—two great realms apart. What kind of challenge was that?
In Wang Yuan's eyes, even with the twin powers of the Purple Desolation Annihilation Dragon and the Sun Martial Soul, at best, Wang Chen could leapfrog one rank in battle. Crossing two was impossible.
So Wang Yuan immediately tried to dissuade him. He advised Wang Chen to wait, to train more, and only challenge once he reached Wang Yan's realm. Now was far too early.
But Wang Chen only smiled.
"I have confidence in my strength. Recently, I created a secret technique that greatly boosts my power. With this technique, I believe I can defeat the Clan Leader."
Wang Yuan looked at him skeptically, his expression clearly saying, You think I'll believe that?
Wang Chen sighed helplessly. Every time he spoke the truth, no one believed him. They always assumed he was lying—until he proved it with action.
"Grandfather Wang Yuan, why don't we spar? If I win, you'll help persuade the other elders and nominate me at the clan meeting."
Wang Yuan frowned but agreed. He thought the boy needed a dose of reality, a humbling defeat, so he wouldn't grow arrogant from his talent.
"Chen'er, since you're so confident, let's test it. If you can beat me, I'll bring you to the other elders."
Three minutes later.
In the training field, Wang Yuan lay flat on the cold ground, staring blankly at the sky.
Impossible. How could this be possible?
He, a level 76 Soul Sage, had just been defeated by a Soul Emperor—easily, effortlessly.
For a moment, he wondered if perhaps he was the Soul Emperor and Wang Chen the Soul Sage.
It wasn't Wang Chen who didn't know the height of the heavens—it was himself.
Lying there for a long while, he finally processed the crushing reality.
"Chen'er… you're a monster. Your strength already surpasses mine by far. But you're still not at the Clan Leader's level."
Wang Chen shook his head.
"Grandfather Wang Yuan, in my spar with you just now, I didn't even use my secret technique. If I did, I believe I could defeat the Clan Leader."
Wang Yuan's heart completely collapsed. So he wasn't even serious?
What kind of monster was this child?
Such talent could only be compared to the legendary tales from Douluo Continent—like Tang San, the Sea God himself.
The makings of a god. Truly the makings of a god! Have our Wang Clan's ancestors' tombs been blessed to give us such fortune?
He stared dumbly at Wang Chen, lips trembling, fingers shaking, overwhelmed with emotion.
At last, Wang Yuan stood and declared with fiery resolve:
Come, Chen'er! I'll take you to see the Grand Elder. From this day forth, the position of Clan Leader belongs to you!