The news spread through the clan faster than wildfire.
By dawn, whispers filled the training grounds, the market paths, even the quiet corners where elders drank their morning tea. Feng Lihan's declaration and Lin Yue's silence in the council hall had cracked something fragile—tradition.
And someone was smiling.
He stepped forward during the public assembly, armor gleaming beneath the sun. Three stars were carved into his shoulder guard—proof of his rank, his victories, his ambition.
Zhao Kuan.
A three-star warrior. Strong. Cunning. And always waiting.
"So it's true," Zhao Kuan said loudly, his voice carrying across the gathered crowd. "Our chief wishes to take a man as his mate."
Murmurs erupted instantly.
Lin Yue stood at the high platform, expression unreadable. Feng Lihan was beside him, unmoving as stone.
Zhao Kuan clasped his hands behind his back, pretending respect. "Chief feng lihan , you speak of balance and responsibility every day. Yet you choose desire over duty."
His eyes gleamed.
"If you want a man as your mate," Zhao Kuan continued, "then you should forget about being chief."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
feng lihan fingers tightened, but before he could speak, lin yue stepped forward.
"Careful," feng lihan said calmly. "Watch your words."
Zhao Kuan laughed. "Number one warrior defending love. How touching." His gaze sharpened. "But I'm defending the clan."
He turned to the people. "A chief who cannot produce heirs breaks the future. A chief who ignores tradition weakens us. If feng lihan insists on this path, then he is no longer fit to lead."
Silence fell—thick and dangerous.
"I challenge his leadership."
The words hit like thunder.
According to clan law, a formal challenge could not be ignored.
feng lihan finally spoke. "Zhao Kuan, this is not about personal gain."
"Isn't it?" Zhao Kuan replied smoothly. "You stand at the top with a man beside you. I stand below, watching the clan rot from sentiment."
He bowed mockingly. "If I win, I take your position. If I lose…" He shrugged. "I'll obey. Isn't that fair?"
Feng Lihan took another step forward. "If this turns into violence—"
"It won't," Zhao Kuan interrupted. "It's political. A trial of leadership. Strategy. Support."
Then he smiled.
"And popularity."
That was when Feng Lihan understood.
This wasn't just about mating.
This was about power.
Feng lihan inhaled slowly, his voice steady. "I accept."
A sharp breath escaped lin yue, feng lihan
"If I step down now," feng lihan said quietly, "they will say I ran away. If I refuse, they will say I fear losing."
He met lin yue eyes.
"I won't let them decide my worth."
Zhao Kuan's smile widened.
"Then prepare yourself, Chief."
As the crowd slowly dispersed, tension buzzing like static in the air,
"If this becomes dangerous," he murmured, "I'll stop...
Lin Yue gave a faint, tired smile.
"ok be careful."
Above them, the clan's banners fluttered violently in the wind—
as if warning everyone that a storm had begun.