Still Qualified to Feel Proud?
The Gu Realm was peaceful and serene.
The morning sunlight bathed the Gu Clan's territory, as if draping this sacred land in a golden veil.
Recently, the clan had deployed many people across the continent to collect heavenly flames, which made the usually lively clan much quieter than usual.
Gu Fei walked slowly along the stone path leading to the ancestral shrine, accompanied by Xian Yue and Wu Shuang. The two children looked around excitedly, their faces filled with curiosity.
This was understandable, as it was their first time attending the ancestral worship ceremony for the Gu Clan's forefathers.
"Father, where are we going?" Xian Yue asked in a soft voice.
"We're going to the Gu Clan's ancestral shrine," he replied after glancing at the two little ones.
"Father, are we going to pay respects to our ancestors?" she asked, her big eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Yes. Once we're inside the shrine, both of you must behave well," he said with a gentle smile, patting his daughter's head. Wu Shuang also nodded obediently.
Looking at their innocent yet determined expressions, he couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart.
Holding their small hands, Gu Fei led the children to the ancient and solemn shrine's entrance. He pushed open the heavy doors, and the two children followed silently behind him.
The clan's ancestral shrine wasn't a place where just anyone could enter. Numerous elders from the clan guarded it daily, and even the clan's precious ancient God jade was kept there, highlighting the shrine's significance.
The shrine's interior was spacious, with walls adorned with carvings of the Gu Clan's ancestral totems. Offerings and incense were placed on altars, and a faint scent of sandalwood filled the air.
He led his children to the main altar, took out the incense he had prepared, respectfully lit it, and placed it in the incense burner.
"Kneel down," Gu Fei said softly.
Xian Yue and Wu Shuang obediently knelt on the prayer cushions, imitating him as they clasped their hands together, bowing their heads in silence.
"Descendant, along with his children, respectfully offer this humble tribute to the spirits of our ancestors," He murmured, taking a deep breath.
At that moment, he felt as if he were communicating with the spirits of their ancestors across time.
The entire Gu Clan had placed great expectations on him, and he bore the responsibility of the clan's rise or fall in this generation.
No one could avoid feeling the weight of such pressure.
Though the children were young, they too sensed the solemn atmosphere, their faces filled with respect.
As the incense slowly burned down, he led the children out of the shrine.
Just then, a figure approached them.
"Greetings, young clan leader!" the man said respectfully, bowing.
Gu Fei looked closer and recognized him as Gu Yang, an elder who had long overseen the shrine. Dressed in a gray robe, Gu Yang smiled awkwardly at him.
'Hmph... once the Hun Clan's plan begins, your clan will be swallowed by us eventually!' Gu Yang sneered inwardly, though outwardly he maintained his kindly appearance.
"Elder Gu Yang, there's no need for such formalities," Gu Fei responded politely with a slight nod.
While exchanging pleasantries, a system notification suddenly rang in Gu Fei's mind:
Ding! Gu Yang feels proud. Emotion value +10
Gu Fei's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm.
He smiled and continued chatting with him briefly before taking the children and leaving the shrine.
As they walked, he furrowed his brow, lost in thought.
'Proud? That old fox is feeling proud at a time like this...'
'Could it be...'
He speculated inwardly. He quickened his pace, realizing he needed to seriously think this through.
However, Gu Yang's strength, at only the level of a five-star Dou Saint, couldn't cause much trouble.
He had long known that he was a spy sent by the Hun Clan.
"Father, slow down!" Xian Yue called, trying to keep up with him. She looked puzzled.
Realizing his steps were too fast, he apologized softly, "Sorry, Father was just thinking about something."
"What were you thinking about, Father?" Wushuang asked innocently.
"Nothing, just some clan matters," he said with a smile, shaking his head.
The Hun Clan had suffered several setbacks recently. First, two of the Soul Hall's main halls had been destroyed, then during the emergence of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, they lost a divine bloodline descendant.
More recently, during the events in the Demonic Flame space, they lost two five-star Dou Saint experts.
By all accounts, the Hun Clan should have been severely weakened and would need time to recover.
Yet, Gu Yang felt proud at a moment like this...
There was no doubt that they were planning something!
'If the Hun Clan is preparing for a big move, they'll likely target the weakest clan first...'
"The Ling Clan!" Gu Fei muttered to himself.
His thoughts suddenly became clear. He quickly stood up.
That's it!
He needed to start paying close attention to the Ling Clan's situation.
At that moment, Xian Yue and Wushuang came bouncing into the room.
"Father, are you going to the Ling Clan?" Xian Yue asked with wide eyes.
"You heard?" he asked, slightly surprised.
"Sister Ling Xi seems to be missing home a bit. If you go to the Ling Clan, maybe you can take her along," Wushuang said, nodding with a naive smile.
Hearing this, Gu Fei smiled warmly.
Despite being young, these two children were already learning to be considerate of others.
"Very well, I'll take Ling Xi back," he said with a smile.
Indeed, the best course of action was to visit the Ling Clan personally.
There wasn't much progress to be made by staying in the Gu Clan right now.
As for collecting heavenly flames, that would take some time.
Having made his decision, he left the study and headed to the courtyard where Ling Xi resided.
She was sitting under an ancient tree, reading a book with great focus. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a soft glow over the fifteen-year-old girl. Her long white hair shone particularly brightly in the sunlight.
Since Gu Fei's return from the medicinal ceremony, Ling Xi had become increasingly diligent in her studies.
"Ling Xi," he called softly.
"Master," she responded, quickly standing up and bowing when she saw him.
"No need for formalities. Do you want to visit home?" He asked with a smile.
Hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, though she quickly composed herself.
"Yes, Master, it has been a long time since I've seen my aunt," she replied respectfully.
"Very well. I'll take you back this time," He said warmly.
"Thank you, Master!" She bowed deeply, her joy now visible in her eyes.