288: Chapter 288 Faced with opposition from Mo Feng and others, Xu Ruyu took the initiative to sever her connection with the Taihu Cauldron.

Elder Mo Feng's words sounded high-sounding, but everyone knew that the real reason for his opposition was fear!

He feared that once Xu Ruyu held power, he would surely fully support Qingli, with whom he had a grudge, and at that time, he would have no foothold in the clan!

He had to grasp the last straw of "outsider"!

Mo Feng's words were like throwing a huge boulder into a calm lake. A low murmur of discussion immediately erupted in the hall.

Indeed, Xu Ruyu was an outsider; this was an indisputable fact.

Allowing an outsider to serve as Clan Chief, even with the recognition of the sacred object, was too shocking and challenged the deeply ingrained concepts of many clan members.

Some Elders who were already uncomfortable with Xu Ruyu's rapid rise or whose interests were tied to Mo Feng also began to flicker with hesitation.

The Clan Chief's face sank, and the moonlight radiance suddenly became sharp: "Mo Feng! You have some nerve!"

"How dare you question the will of the Ancestor and the sacred object's choice of master?!"

"What does it matter if he is an outsider? The Ancestor stated clearly that our clan originated from the starry sky, and our hearts should embrace the universe!"

"The Sage's Heart-Nature, potential, and achievements are all unprecedented in our clan's history!"

"Being recognized by the tripod is the will of Heaven! If you dare to spout nonsense again, do not blame me for enforcing the clan rules!"

The terrifying pressure of the Soul Transformation Stage instantly enveloped Mo Feng, pressing down on him until his bones rattled, his face turned pale, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.

But he still stiffened his neck and hissed: "Clan Chief!"

"Even if you kill me, I must speak!"

"Rules are rules; those who are not of our kind must have different intentions!"

"We do not accept an outsider holding the sacred tripod and commanding the entire clan!"

"Clan members, are you willing to accept this?!"

His words were highly inflammatory.

Sure enough, two or three other Elders who were usually on good terms with Mo Feng or were conservative in their thinking struggled to stand up. Although they dared not directly defy the Clan Chief like Mo Feng, they bowed and said:

"Clan Chief, Supreme Mage, what Elder Mo Feng said... although a bit extreme, 'an outsider cannot be Clan Chief' is indeed a clear instruction that our clan has followed for ages... please reconsider!"

"Please reconsider, Clan Chief!" Several others echoed.

The situation suddenly became deadlocked. The Clan Chief's face was livid, and the phantom of the Supreme Mage fluctuated, clearly also moved by true anger.

However, the reason of "outsider" did indeed strike a sore point for some traditionalist Elders and could not be completely suppressed by mere pressure.

If pushed through forcefully, even if successful, it might sow the seeds of division within the clan.

Qingli looked anxiously at Xu Ruyu, then at the Clan Chief, wanting to say something, but was stopped by Xu Ruyu's gaze.

Xu Ruyu watched all of this quietly. From the initial shock and refusal to now observing calmly.

He saw the persistence of the Clan Chief and the Supreme Mage, the fear and unwillingness of Mo Feng and the others, and the hesitation and resistance of traditional concepts among some Elders.

He suddenly smiled.

The smile was faint and calm, easing the tense atmosphere in the hall.

"Clan Chief, Supreme Mage, Elders."

Xu Ruyu spoke, his voice not loud.

"Please rise first. Speaking while kneeling like this, this Junior truly cannot bear it."

The Clan Chief hesitated for a moment, and seeing Xu Ruyu's serious expression, he was the first to stand up. Others also stood up one after another, but all eyes were focused on him.

Xu Ruyu lifted his palm, and that floating, dark golden taihu tripod slowly flew in front of him.

He stared at this sacred object that carried so much meaning and power, his eyes clear and devoid of greed.

Then, in the horrified gaze of everyone—

Xu Ruyu formed a strange hand seal with both hands. This was the only method he had just realized from the information flow transmitted by the taihu tripod that could actively sever the connection and give up the status of "Tripod Bearer"!

This method consumed a great deal of mental energy and could even damage the foundation of his Dao; if not truly voluntary and firm in will, it could not be cast at all.

"Hum—!"

The taihu tripod let out a faint whine, its radiance flickering rapidly, as if resisting, as if puzzled.

Xu Ruyu's face instantly turned as pale as paper, veins bulged on his forehead, and a streak of striking blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.

But his eyes were incredibly firm, and he gave a low shout: "Sever!"

An invisible Divine Soul bond connecting him to the Origin of the taihu tripod was forcibly severed by his immense will and that special method!

"Pfft!"

Xu Ruyu spat out a mouthful of blood, his body swayed, and his aura suddenly withered; clearly, his Divine Soul had suffered significant damage.

And that taihu tripod, after losing its connection with him, dimmed significantly, as if it had lost its Soul, floating quietly in the air, no longer emitting that aura of being one with Xu Ruyu.

"Sage!" "Xiao Yuer!"

Qingli and the Clan Chief exclaimed at the same time, wanting to step forward to support him.

Xu Ruyu waved his hand, signaling that he was fine. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth; although his face was pale, his eyes were still bright.

He looked at the Clan Chief, his voice a bit weak but exceptionally clear:

"Clan Chief, Elders. I, Xu Ruyu, came to Tianyin Mountain today to seek protection, to find a place for the people of my Hehuan Sect to settle down and practice in peace.

Thanks to your clan for not abandoning me, Sister Qingli's introduction, and the tolerance of the Clan Chief and the Supreme Mage, allowing me to enter this Nine-Aperture Exquisite Array."

He paused, looked around at everyone, his gaze frank: "Since entering the trial, I have gained a lot, increased my knowledge, honed my Heart-Nature, and even received the favor of your clan's ancestors, who bestowed the sacred object upon me. For this kindness and virtue, Xu Ruyu is deeply grateful."