Clan Building System: I'm not the Protagonist?!

Coldwind City, Fang Clan Estate:

The phoenix soul pavilion was alive with warmth and laughter.

Survivors gathered shoulder to shoulder, the air filled with the clamor of voices, the smell of food, and the steady rhythm of drums echoing in the courtyard.

Those who had fought and returned alive were embraced as heroes.

Mothers clutched their children close, tears shining in their eyes as they whispered blessings, while the little ones tugged on sleeves, asking questions too big for their years.

The whole estate pulsed with relief, the heavy shadow of battle momentarily lifted.

And then, Lin Zhaoyue walked in.

Her presence alone drew every eye. The noise softened, then steadied into respectful silence as the people stood and bowed.

"Matriarch Fang!" they greeted, voices tinged with reverence.

A few who had only recently arrived blinked in confusion, whispering to their neighbors, "Matriarch Fang, who are they?"

Lin Zhaoyue's serene smile never wavered. She gestured lightly toward the striking woman at her side.

"Ah, yes. This here is Sister Xiao Bai, the Sect Leader of the Divine Ice Sect."

The hall froze.

The cheer, the warmth, the easy laughter, all smothered in an instant.

Cups stopped halfway to lips, children stilled in their play, even the crackle of the fire seemed suddenly too loud.

Every gaze sharpened, every back stiffened. A suffocating tension settled over the room.

The name itself was enough. Divine Ice Sect. The strongest ally of the Qin Royalty.

The silence dragged, heavy as Xiao Pei.

Xiao Bai let her gaze drift lazily over the crowd, her lips curling into a smile far too bright for the atmosphere.

"What's this?" she said, her tone lilting, playful, yet sharp enough to draw blood.

"Your clan head invited me over, and here I am. Are you not going to show me the proper respect I deserve as a guest?"

The words landed like a spark in dry grass. Some bristled, hands twitching toward their swords, while others avoided her gaze entirely, bowing their heads as if afraid that even looking too long might provoke the icy Sect Leader.

Murmurs rippled through the hall. Guest? Was she not an enemy just earlier in the morning? Why would the Matriarch bring her here?

Lin Zhaoyue stepped forward, her movements smooth, her smile warm enough to thaw the ice in the room.

Her voice, however, carried with unshakable authority.

"The fight ended early because Sect Leader Xiao Bai was never your enemy. She has been on our side all this time."

Gasps ran through the crowd.

Faces turned toward Fang Yuan, toward Xiao Bai, confusion and disbelief written on every brow.

Lin Zhaoyue did not falter. She turned gracefully, her gaze settling on Fang Tian.

"In fact, your brother made a pact with the Divine Ice Sect long ago."

The younger Fang's lips parted, confusion written on his face.

But before he could voice his concerns, Fang Chen cut in, his tone heavy, his eyes sharp as he locked on Lin Zhaoyue.

"Then tell me, Matriarch," he asked, "why did they march four Nascent Soul masters to our gates if they were allies?"

The air in the hall tightened again, suspicion bleeding back in.

Lin Zhaoyue, however, remained unruffled. Her lashes lowered slightly, her tone calm, even pleasant.

"Because today," she said, her words falling like stones into still water, "is the day the Divine Ice Sect openly conspires with the Fang Family… to rebel against the Qin royalty. Or do you think they're some fools and change sides as they see fit?"

The words dropped like thunder.

"What—!" Xiao Bai's eyes went wide, her composure cracking. She hadn't expected to be dragged into that.

And Fang Yuan… he nearly choked on his own breath. His head snapped toward Lin Zhaoyue, utterly floored.

"Is that true?" Fang Chen asked, utterly stupefied.

Because if it was… then this wasn't just news! It was a tidal wave that could shake the kingdom itself.

One of the most powerful sects under heaven, now standing behind their single family?

Everyone knew the might of a sect. Even the average ones boasted tens of thousands of disciples.

But the Divine Ice Sect was different. They did not gather crowds, they pick quality.

Only those born with at least a black-grade spiritual root could even step through their gates.

Every disciple was a genius. Every disciple when nurtured well was a weapon.

And now… all of them were, supposedly, standing with the Fang Clan.

Xiao Bai's smile froze for a heartbeat before she whipped her head toward Fang Yuan, eyes narrowing like blades.

Her lips never moved, but her voice cracked directly into his mind.

"Hey! I did not sign up for this! You tricked me!"

Fang Yuan forced a calm, saintly smile onto his face, even as his jaw twitched. His own voice slipped back through the link, dry as bone.

"Relax. There's only us here. No one will know. She's just spouting nonsense."

Xiao Bai's lashes fluttered, the corner of her mouth twitching upward as if she were still entertained by the charade.

Her voice, however, seethed in his head.

"Oh yes, no one will know—you don't say. Except maybe the Third Princess standing right over there."

Fang Yuan's expression didn't falter. He even nodded sagely at a passing clansman as if approving their cheer.

"She's basically a captive here. She can't send out a single word."

Xiao Bai's eyes narrowed into crescents, her smile too sharp to be genuine.

"I don't care. You dragged me into this mess, so I want one more Hollow Spirit Pill to make up for it."

Fang Yuan's hand twitched like he wanted to slap the air itself. His polite facade cracked for a split-second as he hissed inwardly

"You greedy pig!"

Before their bickering could spin further out of control, both Fang Yuan and Xiao Bai noticed Lin Zhaoyue drawing breath to speak again.

"That's enough, dear," Fang Yuan interjected hastily, the word slipping out like both a command and a plea.

Lin Zhaoyue's eyes flickered with faint disappointment, but she bowed her head gracefully, stepping to his side in quiet obedience.

Xiao Bai exhaled loudly, a long, theatrical sigh of relief. She turned to one of her attendants, lips curling wryly.

"We've got to learn a trick or two from that girl," she muttered, half-mocking, half-grudging in tone. "Who knew being sweet could be that terrifying?"