The Eighteenth Elder's words cast a heavy silence over the hall, leaving many people in deep thought. Some perceptive people had already detected the current problems in the clan.0

The issue wasn't with the patriarch himself but with the internal strife that had fractured the clan. Unity was essential for a clan to stand strong. It was like a tree that appeared flourishing on the outside but was riddled with pests within. Once the tree fell, the consequences would be catastrophic, potentially leading to its complete uprooting.0

"Eighteenth Elder, you're spewing nonsense! The clan's downfall is because we lack a strong leader!" The Second Elder stood on his feet.0

A nation could crumble but be rebuilt if it had a great leader. Then again, such occurrences were rare.0

Both sides made valid points, but neither dared concede even a step. All eyes turned to Liu Dashan, the acting patriarch who held the clan's authority.0

If Liu Xiaotian wanted to ascend as the new patriarch, it required Liu Dashan to willingly relinquish the patriarchal seal,...0