Under One Person: The Puppet Immortal in the Tang Sect

"And they will be permanently stationed in the Divine Machine Alliance! Resources within the clan must be prioritized to support their actions!"

This first point, though surprising, is important given the significance of cooperating with the Divine Machine Alliance.

Some clansmen could understand the huge potential benefits that Tian Xiaodie brought back.

But Zhuge Dan's second announcement was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating huge waves.

Secondly, effective immediately, the old regulations are hereby abolished!

"All disciples of the Wuhou School, regardless of gender, may study the two arts of 'Wuhou Qimen' and 'Wuhou Shenji' according to their own aptitude and wishes, without any gender restrictions! All classic texts will be open to the public according to the new regulations!"

"what?!"

"This...how can this be?"

"The ancestral precepts must not be disobeyed!"

An uproar immediately erupted in the crowd.

Many older members of the clan changed their expressions abruptly, and the middle-aged generation also began to discuss the matter.

Abolishing the centuries-old gender-based cultivation restrictions is a revolutionary change!

Within the Wuhou School, there were men who were interested in the art of divination, and women who possessed exceptional talent in the art of divination.

However, the old rules, like ironclad laws, loomed over the heads of every member of the Zhuge family, suppressing too many possibilities.

However, in their shock, the Zhuge family members failed to notice...

In the past, the elders who were at odds with Zhuge Dan acted as if they hadn't heard him when he made such audacious remarks.

They were even silently observing those in the crowd who were expressing opposition or making rude remarks.

Seeing that the time was right, Zhuge Dan slightly raised his beard and hair, and an invisible wave swept across the entire scene, instantly suppressing the noisy discussions.

"Although my Zhuge family has adhered to the old rules for hundreds of years, times have changed!"

"In this era of great strife and profound changes, if we remain stagnant and bound by ancient teachings, how can our Wuhou School survive and thrive?"

"If our ancestor Zhuge Liang were still alive, would he have abandoned such a talented person because of the difference between men and women? This rule was originally established to commemorate our ancestor's first wife!"

"This action is not a violation of ancestral teachings, but rather an effort to further pass on the cultivation technique. Today's change is solely for the sake of our clan's better survival in the future!"

Zhuge Dan's voice was resolute and decisive, carrying an unquestionable conviction.

The elders who had been acting as wooden figures in the back also stepped down at this time.

However, they all expressed their support in unison, without exception.

Cui Ming watched coldly from the sidelines, understanding the situation perfectly.

The Wuhou faction used the impact and external pressure brought by his "sword" to push forward reforms.

Giving him the secret technique is both an investment in the future and a demonstration of a determination to bring about change.

Abolishing gender restrictions in cultivation techniques would stimulate internal vitality and unlock more potential within the Zhuge family.

Both internal and external approaches are moves to break the deadlock.

These old guys are really shrewd.

Standing behind Zhuge Dan, Tian Xiaodie slightly loosened her clenched fist, a hint of excitement and relief flashing in her eyes.

Her desire to learn the profound Wuhou Qimen Dunjia technique unexpectedly found a possibility of being realized at this moment.

Zhuge Yunhui stood beside her, gently squeezed her hand, and looked at her with a firm gaze.

The commotion in the crowd gradually subsided under the strong suppression of Zhuge Dan and the elders.

But the shock, confusion, and even excitement in the eyes of many tribesmen did not disappear.

The commotion within the clan was quickly suppressed thanks to the rare concerted efforts of clan leader Zhuge Dan and the elders.

The dissenting voices did not disappear, but faced with absolute authority and pressing reality, they chose to lie low for the time being, waiting for the last clansman who showed reluctance to leave.

Only Cui Ming, Tian Xiaodie, Zhuge Yunhui, Zhuge Dan (whose momentum was clearly waning), and several solemn-looking elders remained in the council hall.

An unnatural ashen look appeared on Zhuge Dan's face. The imposing aura he had forced up earlier quickly dissipated. His body hunched slightly as he leaned back in the chair in the main seat, his breathing becoming heavy.

Several elders silently surrounded him, their gazes filled with undisguised sorrow and resolve.

"Master Cui..."

Zhuge Dan's voice became hoarse and low, each word sounding as if it had taken a great deal of effort.

"I apologize for making you laugh. It's just a family matter, and we shouldn't be letting our distinguished guests see it. However, there are some things that require the presence of the head of the household as a witness."

Looking at Zhuge Dan's rapidly dying appearance, Cui Ming understood.

The 'shortening of lifespan' that the other party mentioned so casually earlier is probably far more complex than it appears on the surface.

He used secret methods to force his way into the inner realm, glimpse the secrets of heaven, and pull the elders out of the trap. The price he paid is now being shown on his own body.

"Clan Chief Zhuge, please speak freely."

Zhuge Dan nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to his son Zhuge Yunhui, then to his daughter-in-law Tian Xiaodie, and finally swept it over the elders.

"The changes that have occurred today are not solely due to my own decision."

Zhuge Dan spoke slowly, his voice weak but each word clear.

"What you see inside is fragmented and blurry, but it is still quite shocking."

"We... have glimpsed some possibilities for the future. If we stick to the old ways, our lineage of Zhuge Liang, though it may not be completely extinguished, will decline step by step, and our talents will dwindle..."

"Even...the most outstanding of his descendants were reduced to actors, making a living by entertaining others..."

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Yunhui's body trembled violently, and Tian Xiaodie also gasped.

For a family with a thousand-year-old tradition, this is even more unacceptable than the extermination of the entire family.

Chapter 150 The Older Generation's Surprise

"At the same time, we also saw another future."

"This path is fraught with bloodshed and constant change, yet it is also teeming with vitality and closely connected to a powerful force."

Zhuge Dan's gaze fell on Cui Ming.

"The core of that power is vague and unclear, yet it is closely related to you, Hall Master. Furthermore, I saw the brilliance that Xiaodie displayed on that path, far surpassing the brilliance displayed in the clan's territory."

Zhuge Dan coughed violently a few times, and a dark red line of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. Zhuge Yunhui hurriedly stepped forward, but was stopped by him raising his hand.

"I'm afraid that my days are numbered, along with those of all the other elders."

Zhuge Dan calmly uttered these words, and the elders beside him simply bowed their heads in silence, which was taken as tacit agreement.

"Forcibly prying into and interfering with the secrets of heaven has already backfired deeply."

"Rather than waiting until we all pass away, leaving behind a mess of internal strife and an uncertain future."

"Why not take advantage of this last breath, put aside past grudges, and join hands to pave the final path for the family?"

Zhuge Dan looked at the elders, who all bowed at the same time.

"I am willing to follow the clan leader and strive for a future for our Wuhou lineage!"

"Therefore, gifting Master Cui the Divine Strategist Technique is not only a gesture of sincerity, but also a way of planting a seed of karma in his heart, hoping that Master Cui can help my lineage of Marquis Wu overcome a calamity in the future."

Zhuge Dan spoke frankly and without reservation.

"Abolishing outdated rules is to break the internal shackles, unleash the potential of the entire clan, and prepare for the coming era of great strife."

"These two steps are necessary, and we can only force them while we are still here."

Zhuge Dan took a moment to catch his breath, gathering his strength, and finally fixed his gaze on Zhuge Yunhui.

"Yunhui".

"Father!"

Zhuge Yunhui stepped forward and knelt before Zhuge Dan, his tiger-like eyes filled with tears.

"From today onwards, you and Tian Xiaodie will dedicate yourselves to the Divine Machine Alliance. We have decided to allow you to establish a branch within the Divine Machine Alliance."

"And you two are the first heads of the branch family."

Zhuge Dan's voice carried an unquestionable decisiveness.

"You don't need to worry about Wuhou Village. I have already discussed it with the elders, and they will all do their best to assist you until... they are exhausted."

"However, Yunhui... you cannot serve as the clan leader in Wuhou Village. I hope... you can understand as your father."

"You must assist your brother Zhuge Zhen in maintaining the policy established today, ensuring that the family continues to cooperate with the Divine Machine Alliance, adapting to the times, and seeking new ways to maintain stability. Do you understand?"

Zhuge Yunhui had no intention of vying for the so-called position of clan leader. All he wanted was for his family to live peacefully and for him to spend a hundred years with his beloved.

Zhuge Yunhui kowtowed deeply, his voice choked with emotion yet resolute.

"Your son... will certainly live up to the expectations of Father and all the elders! I will assist my elder brother in revitalizing the family!"

"it is good..."

A hint of relief appeared on Zhuge Dan's face, and he turned to look at Tian Xiaodie.

"Little Butterfly."

"Father."

Tian Xiaodie stepped forward and knelt down, burying her head deeply.

"Your vision and courage far surpass those of many men in the clan."

"Yunhui is more composed than ambitious, so he will need your help. The Divine Machine Alliance is a good place for you to demonstrate your abilities, and the bond between the family and the alliance rests on the shoulders of the two of you."

“I have always seen what you want. Go ahead and do it boldly. Don’t let our past ailments become shackles that bind you.”

"Don't... let this opportunity slip by, and don't forget where your roots are."

Zhuge Dan looked at Tian Xiaodie and Zhuge Yunhui with a guilty expression. Fortunately, he had seen that future, so there was still a chance...

"Xiaodie understands."

Tian Xiaodie nodded vigorously.

Finally, Zhuge Dan looked at Cui Ming with a final, earnest gaze.