"A successor?"
Fang Qianyuan was somewhat surprised to hear this, but soon understood.
Grand Elder was no empty title. Having reached this stage, any preferential treatment he received was only natural.
The Wolf Saint's intention to choose him as a successor could certainly be called wise. Failing to consider such an outstanding talent who had emerged within the sect would have been unreasonable instead.
Still, Fang Qianyuan was rather confused about this succession and could not help asking, "I'm not a member of the Heavenly Wolf Aristocratic Clan. How could I qualify to succeed him? Aren't aristocratic clans founded on the continuation of their bloodlines?"
Yu Shixian said, "You're right. Aristocratic clans do place great importance on bloodlines. But after the Dharma-Ending Age, the difficulties of passing down those bloodlines prompted the various clans to transform and seek a way forward. They ceased to be so closed and primitive long ago."
"Have you seen how mortal kingdoms have systems in which the cabinet holds power and the monarch is merely a figurehead, as well as feudal systems that emphasize regional military governors, princes, or even autonomous lords? Whether power rests with the cabinet, the military governors, or the feudal states, the title of monarch remains. Only the authority they wield and the purpose they serve differ."
"At its core, this world still reveres the strong. As long as you're strong enough, bloodline and surname are no obstacle at all. Even within the Heavenly Wolf Aristocratic Clan, you could perfectly well take the Wolf Saint's position. The clan has endured for generations without declining precisely because it is willing to accept fresh blood."
"The most traditional and simplest method is, of course, marriage. If you don't wish to marry into the clan and change your surname, that's entirely up to you.