289: Chapter 289 This is not my way; accepting it will make my heart uneasy.

"But."

Xu Ruyu's tone shifted, becoming resolute.

"I have never thought of, and will never, use a holy object to covet the position of your Clan Chief!"

"I am not a member of the Taihu Clan; this is a fact.

How could an outsider command respect within the Taihu Clan? How could I truly understand the traditions and emotions of your clan that have spanned thousands of years? How could I handle the intricate affairs within the clan?

The position of Clan Chief carries responsibilities heavier than mountains; it cannot be assumed by anyone other than a virtuous and talented sage of your own clan, deeply loved by the people.

What virtue or ability do I, Xu Ruyu, possess? That is the first reason."

He looked at the dim taihu tripod, his gaze complex: "Secondly, this taihu tripod is the Legacy holy object of your clan, carrying the destiny and hope of the Taihu Clan.

It chose me, perhaps because it saw some quality in me, or perhaps it was the trust of the ancestors mark.

But for me, while it is certainly a powerful aid and supreme authority, it could also be... a shackle."

Xu Ruyu's voice became distant yet firm: "I, Xu Ruyu, have my own Dao.

My Dao may have similarities with your clan's Legacy, but the fundamental philosophy, the method of cultivation, and the goals pursued are all different.

My Dao lies in analyzing the Origin of heaven and earth, incorporating the energy of all things for my own use; it lies in pioneering, in creating, and in walking a path that no predecessor has walked."

"This taihu tripod represents the collective will, traditional power, and protective responsibility of an ancient clan.

If I were to hold it, while I would certainly gain supreme power and authority, it also means that I must bind a significant portion of my mind and path closely to the destiny of the Taihu Clan, and I might even be constrained and assimilated by its inherent patterns and expectations."

He shook his head, revealing a slightly weary yet relieved smile: "This conflicts with the free exploration and unconventional 'Dao' that I pursue.

At least for now, my state of mind and cultivation are not enough to perfectly carry these two completely different weights.

Forcing it would likely damage my own Dao path, and it might not be a blessing for the Taihu Clan either."

He looked at the Clan Chief and said sincerely: "Clan Chief, this taihu tripod is perhaps not the most suitable Opportunity for me.

It should remain with the Taihu Clan and be held by a leader who truly understands it, needs it, and can use it to lead the clan toward prosperity.

For example, you, the Supreme Mage, or other virtuous and respected sages within the clan."

"Today, I return this tripod." Xu Ruyu bowed deeply to the taihu tripod and to everyone present, "I hope it can shine with its proper radiance in the hands of its truly suitable owner, protecting the Taihu Clan's Legacy so it may never cease and will continue to flourish."

"As for me," he straightened up, his gaze clear, "I am still just that Sect Master of Hehuan Sect seeking refuge.

If your clan does not abandon me and is willing to provide a corner of land to allow the members of my Sect to rest and recuperate, this Junior will be endlessly grateful, will surely remember this kindness, and if I achieve something in the future, I will definitely repay it.

If there are inconveniences due to my status as an outsider, this Junior can also understand and will immediately take my Sect members and leave, without any complaints."

These words were sincere, reasonable, and well-founded, and he even demonstrated his intentions through the actual action of damaging his own Dao Heart and giving up a supreme Opportunity and authority!

Inside the hall, there was dead silence.

Everyone was shocked beyond measure by Xu Ruyu's sudden action and these heartfelt words!

What did he give up? That was a true holy object personally bestowed by the Taihu ancestor, representing the supreme authority and power of the Taihu Clan!

It was a world-shaking Opportunity that was enough for him to instantly possess a massive power to rely on in the Cultivation World!

It was a supreme treasure that countless people dreamed of, even willing to stir up blood and wind to fight for!

And he, actually gave it up actively, so lightly? And was injured because of it?

The reason was simply because "This is not my Dao," "I cannot bear it," "It should have a more suitable owner"?

What kind of magnanimity is this? What kind of clarity? What kind of... unwavering commitment to his own "Dao"?!

Elder Mo Feng opened his mouth wide, pointing at Xu Ruyu, his fingers trembling, but he could not say a word.

All his schemes, all his fears, and all his reasons for opposition seemed so ridiculous and despicable in the face of Xu Ruyu's behavior of treating the tripod like worn-out shoes and being as open and honest as the bright moon!

The Clan Chief was shaken to his core, his figure under the moonlight trembling with light, his voice filled with unprecedented trembling and excitement: "Holy Master! You... why must you do this!

This tripod was bestowed by the ancestor, it is the destination of heaven's will! You... how could you... sigh!"

He wanted to say that Xu Ruyu was foolish, wanted to say that he shouldn't have done this, but when the words reached his lips, only endless emotion and respect remained.

The phantom of the Supreme Mage was also silent for a long time, finally sighing: "Viewing supreme authority as floating clouds, firmly adhering to one's own Dao Heart without wavering... This old one... bows to the Holy Master's Dao Heart."

The Grand Elder and others were even more teary-eyed, looking at Xu Ruyu's pale yet upright figure, looking at the floating dim holy tripod, their hearts filled with complex emotions.

There was admiration for Xu Ruyu's noble character, a trace of disappointment that the holy object was "returned," and even more, a deep sense of being moved—this Holy Master is a true gentleman, a true Cultivator!

Madam Qingli was already streaming with tears; she looked at Xu Ruyu, her eyes filled with heartache, pride, and a trace of understanding.

This is the Xiao Yuer she knew; he never cared about these external powers, only about the Dao in his heart and the people around him worth cherishing.

Just as everyone's hearts were surging, and the Clan Chief's hands were trembling, not knowing what to do—whether to forcibly stuff the tripod back to Xu Ruyu or to respect his choice—

A strange change occurred without any warning!