Chapter 1178: Kowtowing to the Departed
When Xiang Shaoyun told Xiang Feidong about his father's feats, Xiang Youjing teared up. He still wasn't fully convinced that Xiang Shaoyun was telling the truth, but deep inside, he already believed him.
"Xiang Feidong is the pride of our Xiang Clan. He is the reason the clan has been able to survive until today. Of course, I was at fault too. If I hadn't obstinately persisted in war, the clan wouldn't have fallen to such an extent," said Xiang Shaoyun with a sigh.
His eyes were filled with guilt as he recalled the Xiang Army from back then and how glorious the clan used to be. The strong sense of guilt he felt was stifling. He was remorseful of his decision back then. If he had taken the clan into more consideration at the time, many people would probably not have to die.
"Y-you're really our Ancestor Overlord?" asked someone with a shiver.
That person was a Saint that was so old his vitality seemed to be on the brink of completely drying up. He was someone from Xiang Youjing's generation. He had not participated in the war back then, but he was close to those who did and had heard of Xiang Dingtian's feats.
Looking at the old Saint, Xiang Shaoyun replied with a sad tone, "Yes and no."
He then ignored everyone and strode toward the clan's forbidden zone. He moved quickly, instantly vanishing from where he was.
"What are you trying to do?" shouted Xiang Youjing in alarm as he gave chase.
Although he had been injured, Xiang Shaoyun never intended to kill. Xiang Youjing wasn't even seriously injured, so he was naturally able to keep up with Xiang Shaoyun. The other Saints also followed them, leaving behind the regular disciples who were still in a daze.
"W-what is going on? Is he capable of transforming his personality or something?" asked Xiang Lingyu in confusion.
Xiang Zixuan shook his head and said, "I have no idea. The world is confusing. I need to clear my mind."
No matter what, Xiang Zixuan wasn't willing to accept that Xiang Shaoyun was Xiang Dingtian. The strength Xiang Shaoyun demonstrated earlier was way too scary. Not even their first elder was a match for Xiang Shaoyun. Xiang Zixuan felt his confidence shattering.
As for Ji Honglei, she had a look of reverence as she thought, So is this the most outstanding person of the Xiang Clan, the Overlord? He is truly boundlessly charming and attractive.
The Xiang Clan's forbidden zone was where the clan's graveyard was located. There, the martyrs of the clan were buried and the heroes of the clan were worshipped. Generally, entry was forbidden to everyone. Only during ritual offerings would the forbidden zone be opened up to the clan members. Of course, those at the Heaven Battling Realm were allowed to enter more often.
Xiang Shaoyun went straight to the graveyard. When he saw the eight lofty statues, his gaze landed on Xiang Dingtian's statue. With the sun and the moon above his head and his feet stepping on stars, he held the Overlord Skyslaying Saber and held his head high with a look that disdained the world. This was a statue with an appearance that evoked a sense of reverence.
When Xiang Shaoyun looked at the statue, he felt like he was looking at himself from his previous life. The statue was completely the same as him. He had no idea who forged this statue, but the resemblance was uncanny. His gaze then landed on the other seven statues. Both his knees dropped heavily onto the ground as he kowtowed to the seven ancestors.
He knocked his head heavily onto the ground, creating numerous muffled sounds. Not one of the Xiang Clan Saints dared to stop what he was doing. They could sense his sincerity in paying his respects to the ancestors. After kowtowing three times to each statue, Xiang Shaoyun stood up and continued deeper into the graveyard.
Soon, he arrived before a certain tomb. He trembled as he lightly stroked the tombstone with the gentleness one would only show the person one loved most. Everyone present knew that this particular tomb belonged to Xiang Dingtian's parents. When they saw what he did, their belief that he was really Xiang Dingtian deepened. If he wasn't Xiang Dingtian, how would he recognize this tomb, and why would he stroke it?
After a while, he once again dropped on his knees and kowtowed to the tomb. He remained completely silent as he had no words to say. He then stood back up and started walking among the graveyard again. Soon, he came to a remote corner with some burial mounds. Those buried here weren't any important individuals of the clan. Rather, they were those only qualified to have their names included in the clan records.
A lot of people were buried here. This spot, in particular, was where the dead Xiang Army members were buried. These were those who had sweated blood for the clan. Alas, they had all ended up six feet under the ground.
Xiang Shaoyun took out a jar of liquor and shouted at the mounds, "The Xiang Army will never be defeated. The children of Xiang are the strongest. Brothers, let's finish this glass of wine."
He then threw his head back and took a swig of liquor. The liquor splashed onto his clothes, drenching them wet, yet he didn't care. He then poured the liquor before the burial mounds. The Xiang Clan people looked at Xiang Shaoyun's bleak figure. He looked so very lonesome, yet they had no idea what they should say to him.
Only after standing there for two hours did Xiang Shaoyun turn around to leave. His body flickered, and he arrived before the Xiang Clan's grand hall. Looking at the familiar surroundings, he felt like it was only yesterday when he had left. Nothing seemed to have changed.
The grand hall was built like a palace, looking incredibly luxurious and imposing. Held by the 12 towering dragon pillars was a roof with carvings of divine beasts. A thick fortuitous aura gathered around the hall, making the hall look incredibly majestic. A purple divine stone hovered atop the roof, constantly radiating a glorious radiance.
Two Saint Realm lightning beasts were standing guard before the hall. When they saw Xiang Shaoyun, they did not dare to act rashly. They could feel a dangerous sensation from Xiang Shaoyun and sense the Xiang Clan bloodline flowing within him.
Xiang Shaoyun did not remain outside for long. He directly stepped into the hall. The hall was incomparably expansive, as though it was an entirely different space that one would feel good just being there.
The hall was decorated gorgeously. Everywhere one looked were high-tier materials, which made the place look incredibly noble. A regular person would instantly be assaulted by a sense of inferiority the moment they stepped inside.
Xiang Shaoyun scanned the room, his gaze ultimately landing on the main seat. It was a dragon throne shining with a gold and purple radiance that seemed capable of pulling one's soul in.
"Our dream of becoming the ruler of the world has remained a dream. What's the point of keeping this throne?" said Xiang Shaoyun with a sigh.
He started approaching the throne, but after taking several steps, he fainted.