After more than an hour, Jiang Chen returned to the Jiang family estate, accompanied by Meng Qingxue and Jiang Kui.
As they entered the main gate, Jiang Chen's gaze swept across the outer courtyard. He noticed that the square was filled with hundreds of people, creating a lively and bustling scene. These guests had clearly been invited by Jiang Qianhe to witness his ascension to the position of family head.
In the center of the square, on a high platform, Jiang Qianhe stood proudly in an ornate robe, conducting an ancestral worship ceremony under the guidance of the family priest.
"Let us remember the kindness of our ancestors and never forget their legacy. We must uphold the foundation they laid, ensuring the Jiang family thrives for generations..."
"The disappearance of our last patriarch left the Jiang family leaderless and in chaos," Jiang Qianhe declared solemnly.
"Though I may not be the most talented, I, Jiang Qianhe, am willing to assume the role of family head, inherit our ancestors' legacy, and restore the Jiang family to its former glory!"
After completing the ancestral rites, Jiang Qianhe confidently took the main seat on the platform. His voice resonated through the square:
"Today, I, Jiang Qianhe—"
Before he could finish, a cold, mocking voice interrupted him:
"Jiang Qianhe, do you really think you are worthy of becoming the head of the Jiang family?"
"The position of family head isn't something an old dog like you can claim!"
The square fell silent. All eyes turned toward the source of the voice. Three figures walked steadily toward the center of the square.
"Who is this brat daring to cause trouble in the Jiang estate?"
"That's Jiang Chen, the young master of the Jiang family and the son of Jiang Wuya, the former patriarch!"
"Oh, it's him. Does he really intend to challenge Jiang Qianhe for the position of family head?"
"A mere Body Tempering Second Stage weakling trying to compete for leadership? Ridiculous!"
The murmurs in the crowd were filled with disdain. This was a world where strength commanded respect. To them, Jiang Chen, known for his weak cultivation, had no right to make such bold claims.
"Has he finally returned?" Jiang Qianhe sneered, his eyes flashing with a cold light.
To Jiang Qianhe, Jiang Chen had always been an insignificant figure—until recently. Unexpectedly, this so-called "waste" had revealed astonishing talent, defeating Jiang Yunhong and securing a place at Lingyun Martial Arts Academy. Even more shocking was Jiang Chen's newfound status as an alchemist.
Jiang Qianhe saw Jiang Chen as a growing threat and had no intention of letting him continue to rise. This was precisely why he had hastily seized control of the family. Today, he would eliminate Jiang Chen once and for all.
"Jiang Chen," Jiang Qianhe began coldly, standing up and looking down at him condescendingly, "as the elder of the Jiang family, I have every right to inherit the position of patriarch in our former leader's absence. What makes you think I am unworthy?"
"Today is a day of celebration for the Jiang family. You'd be wise not to cause trouble."
"Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Jiang Chen met Jiang Qianhe's gaze calmly and responded, "The head of the Jiang family is my father, Jiang Wuya. Even in his absence, the role does not fall to someone like you."
"Don't forget—I am the rightful young master of the Jiang family!"
His words sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. Was this young master, once dismissed as a failure, truly challenging Jiang Qianhe for the position of family head?