novelzi Chapter 298 Clan Head Succession in the Mashyan World.
Chapter 298 Clan Head Succession in the Mashyan World.
Betrothal by Fire.
It was an old tradition in many clans.
To understand it, one first needed to know about the system of clan head succession.
In the Mashyan World, where matriarchal systems were the norm, the first daughter would never become the next clan head. Instead, it was the second daughter who would take on that role. This only changed in special situations. If the first daughter had less cultivation potential than her junior sister, then she could become the clan head.
A somewhat confusing concept...
In the case of Mu Lingxi and Mu Lin, the first daughter, Mu Lingxi, had far more cultivation potential than her younger sister.
Being a prodigious talent, Mu Lingxi was seen as the clan's representative in the cultivation world. Her tasks included exploring ancient ruins, acquiring rare artifacts, and mastering forbidden techniques. She even served as an emissary in higher realms.
All this was to promote and strengthen the clan's image.
On the flip side, Mu Lin, did not have the same cultivation potential as Mu Lingxi. Therefore, the clan believed she would be better suited for administrative and diplomatic responsibilities. Her role would be to ensure the clan's day-to-day stability and internal cohesion.
This is where the Betrothal Trial by Fire came into play.
To choose the clan head's consort, clan members and disciples from affiliated sects would duel the future clan head, which in this case was Mu Lin. Anyone who could defeat Mu Lin in battle would become the clan head's consort and serve under the Mu Clan.
This was how Mu Zhihao became the current clan head.
After he defeated Mu Suyin in battle, she naturally fell in love with him. Together, they ran the clan, with Mu Zhihao generally serving under her. However, when she was sealed by Ming Huiran for defecting, Mu Zhihao became the temporary clan head.
He would remain so until Mu Lin married and was ready to take over the clan.
Originally, when Mu Lin was born, Mu Zhihao had planned for Mu Lingxi to be the clan head, making Mu Lin their external representative. But, for reasons unknown to many clan elders and disciples, he switched their roles.
Years after this decision, many suitors came for Mu Lin's hand in marriage. However, she ignored them all, wanting to focus on her cultivation and feeling unready for marriage. Many of these men sought an easy path, thinking it wouldn't be difficult to defeat Mu Lin when she was only at the Spirit Gathering level.
But now, there was a wildcard... Yang Wei.
Given his romantic relationship with Mu Lin, Mu Zhihao assumed Yang Wei was already the apparent clan head consort. This meant that suitors no longer had to duel Mu Lin directly; instead, they would duel Yang Wei.
If anyone could defeat him, it would be the equivalent of relinquishing Mu Lin's hand in marriage.
An interesting aspect of the Betrothal Trial by Fire was that both male and female suitors were allowed.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
Yun Feiyan shook her head. "No... Their plan was to tire you out as a team, and then whoever was lucky enough to defeat you would become the clan head consort."
Covering his face with his palm, Yang Wei sighed. "Are they really this foolish? Don't they know they can't defeat me?"
"That won't stop them..." said Yun Feiyan, disappointed.
To think these men, lying on the ground like battered vegetables, ever believed they were worthy of the Young Miss.
The only person Yun Feiyan saw as worthy, was Yang Wei.
Placing a hand on his chin, Yang Wei surveyed the scene.
"We should find whoever caused this chaos. Given the level of damage, I'm guessing they are either at the Core Formation stage or perhaps a Nascent Soul expert."
He didn't mind facing either opponent, but Yang Wei wanted to perfect his cultivation. So, he was hoping to face a cultivator who wouldn't make him rely on his magic.
Yun Feiyan looked around. "Well, I suppose you could use your divine senses to pick ou──!"
Before she could finish, Yang Wei moved with such speed it seemed like teleportation. One moment he was beside her, and the next, he had whisked her away just as a powerful explosion rocked the spot where she had been standing.
It sounded like a meteor had crashed!
"What's going on?!" Yun Feiyan panicked, realizing she had narrowly escaped death.
"Are you okay?" Yang Wei asked, holding her in his arms like a bride.
The woman's cheeks flushed, and she could only nod in response.
Satisfied that she was safe, Yang Wei turned his attention to the large crater that was now spewing dust and debris.
A figure began to emerge from the cloud of dust.
"So, you're the Fate Defying Elder, Yang Wei? I am Mao Geming, the Extreme Grand Sword Expert from the Sword Crane School!"
The cultivator grinned widely, brandishing an ornate purple and gold sword.
He pointed his sword at Yang Wei.
"I challenge you to a duel!"