Chapter 1451: The Grand Elder's Magnanimity

After tens of thousands of years of growth, the Zhang Clan had expanded to an area vaster than the imperial capital of a Conferred Empire. The Two-Spirit Heaven-Guarding Array, built into the mountain and covering an incredibly wide expanse, served solely to guard the clan's entrance. It was this protection that allowed the clan to stand strong for tens of thousands of years, unscathed and unyielding. Even through several crises, no one had managed to truly shake or inflict damage upon them.

They had believed the array, established by their ancestors, was an impregnable fortress, indestructible by anyone short of a true peak expert. Yet, to their astonishment, a mere Domain Realm pinnacle expert, with a single stomp, brought it to the brink of collapse.

"Stop!" Unable to bear it any longer, he urgently cried out.

It was too late. Amidst violent tremors, the array could no longer hold; it vanished instantly, and numerous buildings collapsed with a resounding crash. As dust and smoke billowed, countless figures streamed out, each one wide-eyed and bewildered, unsure of what had transpired.

*Thud!* Zhang Wuchen felt his body go limp and he collapsed to the ground. He finally understood why the other party had earlier asked, "Can he take responsibility?" It seemed the current situation had been foreseen all along! The collapse of their family's guardian array and the destruction of countless buildings… even as the Third Elder, he couldn't possibly bear such a responsibility. This was an immense blow to the Zhang Clan's reputation!

Jian Qinsheng also recoiled, his body stiff with shock. He deeply resented Xing Jiansheng for taking the person he loved, and had wished to cause disruption at the Zhang Clan, causing them to lose significant face. But to cause the array to collapse and countless buildings to be destroyed, creating such a monumental stir, even before stepping foot inside the clan… His face immediately paled with fright. A wave of doubt washed over him, questioning whether inviting this person had been a wise decision or a terrible mistake.

"Oh…" Unlike the others who were shocked, Zhang Xuan paused, then a realization dawned on him. Having never encountered a Rank 9 array before, he hadn't known its true power. He certainly hadn't anticipated that abruptly causing it to collapse would unleash such immense devastation. Still, what was done was done. His primary purpose for coming here was to challenge them, and since the other party had already agreed to take responsibility, there was no need for him to hold back. He would display the full extent of his capabilities! If he couldn't force that arrogant young genius to reveal himself, he wouldn't be Zhang Xuan!

"Third Elder, what happened?" As he pondered, a swift whooshing sound reached his ears, and a figure abruptly materialized amidst the widespread ruins, looking around with a puzzled expression.

"Reporting to the Grand Elder… I was here collecting storage rings when this genius from the Hall of Saint Sons insisted on challenging the array, and the result… is this!" Zhang Wuchen quickly recounted the events in detail.

"Challenging the array?" The Grand Elder was momentarily stunned. He quickly looked at Zhang Xuan, observing the young man gazing back calmly, devoid of any nervousness. Frowning slightly, he couldn't help but inquire, "May I know your identity, friend?"

"I am Zhang Xuan. I accompanied my junior brother, Jian Qinsheng, to witness the Zhang Clan's supreme swordsmanship!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

"Zhang Xuan?" The Grand Elder looked puzzled, but said no more. Instead, he turned and waved his hand. "Wuzhen, please escort Zhang Xuan and the Born Sword Saint to the guest quarters to rest!"

"Grand Elder…" Hearing that the visitor was to be escorted to rest, with no mention of accountability for the collapsed buildings and destroyed array, Zhang Wuchen looked anxious.

"Enough," the Grand Elder said, his expression calm, betraying no emotion. "Since young friend Zhang Xuan has, by the rules, broken through the array, no matter the outcome, it is something our Zhang Clan must bear."

"Yes!" Cupping his fist and bowing, Zhang Wuchen, though unwilling, could do nothing but comply. In the Zhang Clan, the Grand Elder's word was absolute law; no one dared to contradict him. The Clan Head had previously managed affairs, but with his sudden departure, all decisions now rested with the Grand Elder.

"Grand Elder, with the array destroyed, rebuilding it will take at least several months. How will we collect and store storage rings from visitors…?" an elder couldn't help but inquire. The array was crucial for detecting spatial treasures on visitors. Now that it's gone, we can't perform those checks. What should we do about future arrivals?

"Anyone who comes to the Zhang Clan is a guest. Requiring them to store their storage rings was merely a custom of our ancestors. I have always felt it was an unnecessary imposition, but out of respect for tradition, I refrained from speaking out. Now that this young man has inadvertently helped destroy it, the array need not be rebuilt. Furthermore, please return all previously stored items to their respective owners!" The Grand Elder spoke with a faint smile.

"Return them? But…" The elder's expression changed, clearly surprised by this unexpected decision. With so many outsiders visiting the Zhang Clan, wouldn't it be a significant problem if someone harbored ill intentions?

"There's no need for concern. Since our Zhang Clan is respectfully known as the foremost family on the continent, I trust no one would dare cause trouble here!" With a flick of his sleeve, the Grand Elder's eyes gleamed with intense confidence and pride.

"Understood… Yes!" Sensing the powerful aura emanating from the Grand Elder, the elder paused, then ultimately nodded in agreement.

"As expected of the Zhang Clan's Grand Elder, his broad-mindedness and composure are truly admirable…" Zhang Xuan nodded to himself. He had anticipated being rebuked by the clan members, but surprisingly, not only was there no accusation, the Grand Elder even seized the opportunity to make such a profound decision. This action not only preserved the reputation of the continent's foremost family but also garnered admiration for their magnanimity, effectively killing two birds with one stone. More importantly, it reaffirmed the Zhang Clan's formidable strength, instilling even greater awe.

"Impressive composure, though I wonder why that young genius is so remarkably disappointing…" he mused, a touch of confusion in his thoughts. In his mind, the young genius who, despite being engaged, feigned indifference and refused to appear, was undoubtedly a despicable and shameless scoundrel. Even the Zhang Clan, for deliberately covering for him, had been labeled as shameless. Witnessing the Grand Elder's actions, he suddenly felt that perhaps they weren't so bad after all. Maybe not everyone in the Zhang Clan was terrible; that young genius might just be an anomaly.

"This way, gentlemen…" An old man approached them. It was Wuzhen, whom the Grand Elder had just addressed. He was the Seventh Elder, Zhang Wuzhen.

"Thank you!" Jian Qinsheng, not daring to speak further, hastily followed behind. Zhang Xuan followed closely behind him.

Watching them depart, Zhang Wuchen again approached the Grand Elder and sent a puzzled telepathic message: "This was a symbol of the Zhang Clan's enduring legacy. Are we truly… just letting this go?"

"Not letting it go? Do you suggest you personally step in and teach him a lesson?" The Grand Elder raised an eyebrow.

Zhang Wuchen's face twitched, and he was rendered speechless.

"Our Zhang Clan, as a family led by master teachers, cannot operate like other professions. Rules are rules; once established, they must be upheld. Zhang Xuan's ability to destroy the array is a testament to his own skill. Not only will we not pursue this matter, but I also want you to disseminate this news throughout the entire clan, so everyone knows!" the Grand Elder stated calmly.