"Patriarch."
The Elders exchanged glances before the First Elder of the Chen Clan took the lead to speak. "From what I know, Station 37 of our Clan was a deserted Station. It was reactivated some time ago, but the camp only has an Eerie Fire and a dilapidated wooden hut."
"Aside from that, there are no defensive structures."
"Logically speaking, this camp shouldn't have survived into the third day of the rainy season, especially with the early arrival of it."
"I suspect..."
"Perhaps Young Patriarch Chen Fan was just fortunate. After all, Station 16 of the Ravine Wang Clan hasn't been wiped out yet either."
"That's right, we think so too."
"It must be the case."
The Elders quickly aligned in their thoughts—mainly because they had no other explanations. Besides attributing it to good luck, what else could it be?
Seated in his chair, the Patriarch did not speak. He simply raised his head and looked at Chen Quan, signaling that he could share his thoughts.
"I..."
Chen Quan couldn't quite read his father's thoughts at the moment, feeling only a deep unease. Even though he knew his father didn't favor Chen Fan, Chen Fan was still his son.
Killing a half-brother might seem insignificant when not scrutinized, but once brought to light, the weight would be overwhelming.
Now that it was being openly discussed, Chen Quan felt his heart pounding in his chest, as if a fire were burning within. Suppressing the fear, his voice quavered. "In my opinion, Elder Brother must have been quite lucky."
"Perhaps..."
"Should we try to rescue him? Bring Elder Brother back home?"
As his words fell, the Elders exchanged glances once more, seeing helplessness in each other's eyes. Young Patriarch Chen Quan seemed to have been frightened out of his wits---the Chen Clan never had what it took to rescue someone from the wilderness during the rainy season-- why else had he spouted this nonsense?
"..."
In the seat of honor, the Patriarch lowered his gaze again, remaining silent for a long while as he absentmindedly drummed his fingertips on the table.
The council hall fell completely silent.
Only the captivating sound of tapping on the table could be heard. Everyone instinctively slowed their breathing, afraid to make any unnecessary noise or even move a muscle.
After what felt like an eternity, a faint, almost imperceptible sigh sounded within the room.
The Patriarch opened his eyes, a flicker of exhaustion in their cloudy depths. He swept his gaze over everyone present, his voice hoarse.
"My late wife once quarreled with me and ran outside the city to hide. The Chen Clan searched for a long time before finding her hiding at Station 37. Do you all remember this?"
The First Elder, who had been keeping his eyes downcast, jolted awake at these words, a trace of shock flashing in his eyes as he turned to meet the Patriarch's gaze.
"Master... are you suggesting that Station 37 might conceal an Architect legacy left by the Mistress?"
"No, no."
The Second Elder quickly shook his head in denial. "As we all know, awakening as an Architect depends on fate. Even if an Architect legacy is left behind, it would only contain some blueprint explanations, energy utilization methods, building blueprints, special Eerie Materials, and so on. It cannot turn an ordinary cultivator into an Architect."
"Young Patriarch Chen Fan has already awakened in the family and did not become any special cultivator."
"Under normal circumstances, a second awakening is impossible."
"Quan'er."
The Patriarch looked at Chen Quan, enunciating each word. "Was it you who arranged for Chen Fan to go to Station 37, or did he request to go there himself?"
"It was my arrangement." Chen Quan now realized the seriousness of the matter and dared not conceal anything. "It was an abandoned Station that had been deserted for a long time. I even took people to inspect the hut. There was nothing inside—it was almost empty."
"Elder Brother... Elder Brother, he couldn't possibly become an Architect!"
"Hah."
The Patriarch suddenly laughed, leaning back in his chair with exhaustion. In that moment, he seemed to age visibly.
It's all fate.
He didn't know what Architect legacy his late wife had left behind. The certainty of these Chen Clan Elders wasn't without reason—normally, it was indeed impossible. But the world is vast—how could they know everything?
Perhaps there truly existed an Extraordinary Treasure capable of turning an ordinary cultivator into an Architect?
But...
But why keep it from him?
Did his late wife not know that if Chen Fan could become an Architect, he would dedicate all his resources to train and protect Chen Fan?
That was his son!
His own flesh and blood!
The same blood flowed in his veins as in mine. An Architect like that would become the greatest asset of the Rivernorth Chen Clan, pushing the family to new heights. He wouldn't have to wait on that Clan Guardian every day—an Architect from outside could never compare to his own son.
Was it all because of one argument?
And Chen Fan...
If he had become an Architect, why didn't he return to the Chen Clan immediately? Did Chen Fan think he wouldn't dedicate all his resources to nurture and protect an Architect belonging to the Chen Clan?
Was the Rivernorth Chen Clan some kind of living hell?
But it was useless to say anything more now.
A newly awakened Architect, without any resources, had no chance of surviving this rainy season. Forget Chen Fan—even if the Chen Clan's level 5 Architect were thrown into the wilderness, he wouldn't survive this rainy season.
Just at that moment—
The doors of the council hall were suddenly pushed open.
"Patriarch Chen."
Clan Guardian Liu entered with a displeased expression, sitting down in his seat and leaning forward to stare straight at Patriarch Chen. "Is there some important matter being discussed that you need to keep from me?"
"After all these years of serving the Chen Clan, do I not even have the right to listen to council discussions?"
"..."
Patriarch Chen paused for a moment before forcing a smile. He walked behind Clan Guardian Liu and placed his hand on his shoulder, speaking helplessly. "Didn't you always say not to call you for every big and small discussion?"
"I intended to call you, but then I thought, since the rain is heavy today, I shouldn't disturb your rest."
"It's nothing important."
"It's just that the rainy season has arrived, so we were discussing the Chen Clan's next steps."
"See? You're overthinking it again, aren't you?"
As he spoke, he calmly scanned the Elders present one by one. The Elders immediately understood and averted their eyes, pretending nothing had happened. The First Elder casually slipped the Eerie-hide Map on the table into his robes.
"Really?"
Clan Guardian Liu turned to throw a suspicious glance at Patriarch Chen, but when he saw Chen Quan present, he relaxed and smiled with satisfaction. "Quan'er is here too. Patriarch Chen, this is right. You should involve Quan'er more in council discussions."
"I've watched this child grow up. He can accomplish great things."
"You're getting on in years—how much longer can you manage everything? You need to give the younger generation some opportunities."
"No need for you to tell me," Patriarch Chen feigned anger. "Quan'er is my son. Don't I know his abilities better than you do?"
"Alright, let's all disperse."
"It's time for morning practice. After you, Clan Guardian Liu."
"Patriarch Chen, you first."
After Patriarch Chen and the Elders left the council hall, only Chen Quan remained, his face pale. He curled his legs up on the chair, shivering, his eyes filled with unwillingness and resentment.
But soon, the corners of his lips lifted in a grin.
Fortunately...
Fortunately, the rainy season arrived early.
Heaven's will is on my side!